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A brief look at the story of Jill Wheatley
As a visually impaired adventure athlete, the support of others allows me to shine light in the power of perspective and possibility.
I, Jill Wheatley, aim to break down the stigma associated with traumatic brain injury, vision loss, and eating disorders. Through challenging mountain experiences, I will shine light on the power of perspective and possibility.
A blueprint ~ ideas and inspiration for my trail ahead giving all respect to the mountains and Mother Nature.
Once upon a chilly February morning, two eager friends raced the sun rising in Banff National Park in search of a frozen waterfall to scale.....the plot quickly twist and the happily ever after will take a minute.
Climbing atop the 7th highest mountain on earth, Dhaulagiri got off to a jagged start. My second 8 000 er was far tougher mentally than physically. I climb on.
The world’s 3rd highest peak, my 3rd 8000er, was going to be different. The stories my mind was telling were daunting yet deep within knew that there was potential for greatness to surface from change. It did.
As I prepare to climber beyond 8 000m, I reflect upon the healing I have found in the himals of Nepal, and how I strive to personify their characteristics.
Letting go of what could have been and finally embracing what is, acceptance, the most direct path to inner peace, challenged me for years following traumatic brain injury which resulted in loss of 70% of my eyesight. Through what felt like endless chapters of uncontrollable events, I struggled to cultivate inner balance through acceptance.
Unanswered messages, emails and texts from companies who had been ‘on my team’ as I climbed atop some of the world’s most pristine peaks, having my story withdrawn from a magazine publication and a mention of insignificance, I am human; it hurts yet with that strength, fractured, I climb on.
New shoulds, eye glasses, and response.
Craving the serenity, simplicity and solitude of life in the Himalayas, where I am disconnected yet connect deeply: inner peace should not be altered. I have work to do.
2026
A candid conversation about fear on Global's Spotlight Hour with Linda Olsen - a reflection on uncertainty, resilience, and choosing to step forward even when it’s uncomfortable.
After a freak accident reshaped her life, runner Jill Wheatley searched for a way back to herself. The mountains became that path — rebuilding identity, movement, and hope one hard step at a time. Listen to her story on Human Race.
2025
Finding solace in the mountains after a traumatic brain injury upended my life, I reflect on my relationship with mountains in Alpinist magazine.
Listen in for thought-provoking conversation that encourages embracing uncertainty, growth, and shared human experiences.
