Professional snowboarder shares experience after injury ended career

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Former professional snowboarder, Kevin Pearce, had it all. He was one of the best snowboarders in the world. So good, he even beat Shaun White on occasion.

This week, Pearce shared his story with the staff at TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Pearce suffered a traumatic brain injury after a training incident during New Years Eve in 2009.

"We get to New Year's Day and we going to start our lives," said Pearce. "I suffered a traumatic brain injury in Park City Utah, training for the Winter Olympics."

Pearce never fully understood the severity of his injury.

"When you come out of an injury and it's maybe a broken bone, usually you are quite aware," said Pearce. "Never did I get to a place where I was like - Oh my God. I just completely changed the rest of my life."

Pearce did eventually come to grips with his injury and the fact he would never compete as a professional snowboarder again. So he turned his attention to starting a foundation, "Love your Brain."

"The three most important parts of loving your brain are: care, stop and do, " said Pearce. "Care for your brain because your brain is the most important thing that you have. Stop doing those things that are bad."

Believe it or not, Pearce is still snowboarding. But he knows his limits.