"I wonder if a guy with no legs could climb a mountain?". Warren wondered while recovering from an accident while climbing the tallest peak of North Queensland’s (Australia), Hinchinbrook Island. In the accident he was trapped under a one-ton rock which eventually resulted in both his legs being amputated at mid-thigh. He prepared himself physically and mentally for what lay ahead, an unbelievably tough challenge. Ten months later he courageously climbed Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain using a modified wheelchair and the seat of his pants. Since then Warren has gone on to become the first double above-knee amputee to reach the summit of Africa’s tallest peak, Mt Kilimanjaro, climbed America's tallest cliff face, El Capitan which required him to do over 2800 pullups within four days and became the only above-knee amputee to climb Canada’s landmark 600 ft frozen waterfall, the “Weeping Wall”. Warren has also written a bestselling book capturing his story of survival and embracing life and is the subject of many award-winning National Geographic and Discovery Channel films and documentaries. He is also a professional motivational speaker and contributes written articles to international publications.

How and when did you decide to start climbing again after your accident? What challenges did you face?W: It happened in stages, beginning with simply wanting to be outside again. So I started off camping, just figuring out how to move around outside; collecting firewood, putting up a tent; and then eventually "hiking" using a wheelchair. It was during one of those early hikes ,that the thought occurred to me, "I wonder if a guy with no legs could climb a mountain?". Ten months later on Tasmania's Cradle Mountain I discovered the answer; yes, absolutely fear of the unknown was the biggest challenge, it's difficult to train for that. Physically, it was about being in the best shape I could possibly be in to deal with the challenge of using mostly upper body for mobility.

Can you describe your experience ascending America's tallest cliff face, El Capitan?W: Like being in space at times as the route we chose is mostly overhanging, so you're often a long way from the cliff face. Apart from that, being so exposed, spending the days and nights on the wall was just such a pure wilderness experience it's hard to put into words... Oh, and I know this will sound counter intuitive, but coming down was way harder than going up. I had trained my body for the ascent, the descent, not so much. It was like doing bar dips all day long. How many bar dips do you think I did as part of my preparation? Yep, not many.

What is your most memorable climbing adventure so far and why?W:  Tasmania's Federation Peak. Mostly because it had intimidated me while I still had my legs; it's so remote (46 km from the nearest road) and the weather in south west Tasmania is just brutal. To be out in such a wild place, so soon after the accident (less that 2 years) was just a mind blowing experience. You can watch the film we made about this trip on YouTube. It's called The Second Step.

What message do you want to convey through your book, “A Test of Will: One Man's Extraordinary Story of Survival”?W: That anything is possible, that we are all so much stronger than we imagine.

How do you face obstacles in life? What keeps you moving forward?W: I keep moving. Find a way to keep moving forward. Sometimes that's difficult, with an injury for example. If we can't keep moving physically, do something else. Use the time to write, or learn a new skill, but forward momentum is key.

What are your other hobbies?W: I love to scuba dive. I love kayaking, and handcycling; travel in general.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?W: I live in Canada these days, so one of my favourite places to visit is back home in Australia. Tasmania has always been a favourite place, just because it's so wild.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?W: Let them discover the world for themselves, don't impose limitations on them. Treat them the same as other children so they can feel some sense of "normal".

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in climbing?W: Just do it. You don't have to be super strong, though you'll want to get stronger once you've tried it and realise what the advantages can be. There are so many climbing gyms now that offer some kind of adaptive program or clinic. Connect online with groups like Paradox Sports so you can keep on top of who is doing what.

Any special message for our community?W: Keep growing, keep expanding. The more we share our experiences, the easier it is to learn from each other and to keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible.