Alana Nichols grew up in Farmington, New Mexico, where her passion for snowboarding and outdoor adventure defined much of her teenage years. At 17, her life changed when she attempted a backflip on her snowboard and sustained a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed from the waist down. 

While the injury altered her mobility, it did not end her athletic drive. Alana’s competitive fire found new life in adaptive sports, and what followed was a historic career that made her one of the most decorated and versatile athletes in Paralympic history. 

Finding Wheelchair Basketball 

While taking classes at the University of New Mexico, Alana’s path crossed with wheelchair basketball almost by accident. Cutting through the campus gym, she stopped to watch a pickup game—fast-paced, physical, and competitive. The intensity convinced her she was “out of excuses.” Soon after, she committed herself to the court. 

The transition wasn’t easy. Basketball required strength, endurance, and skill in a new piece of equipment. With support from the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), Alana received her first basketball chair. That grant marked the beginning of her rise in adaptive athletics. 

By 2004, Alana was already recognized as a Paralympic alternate. Four years later, she was part of Team USA at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics, where she won her first gold medal in wheelchair basketball. 

Taking On Alpine Skiing 

Alana’s drive extended beyond the court. With CAF support again, she received her first mono-ski and began training on the slopes. Her commitment paid off quickly. 

At the 2010 Vancouver Paralympics, she made history—winning two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze in alpine skiing. With those victories, she became the first U.S. woman to win gold medals at both the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games.

The accomplishment cemented her reputation as a multi-sport athlete who could excel in completely different disciplines, each requiring unique skill sets and training demands. 

Expanding to a Third Sport: Paracanoe 

Never one to limit her opportunities, Alana added paracanoe (sprint kayaking) to her competitive repertoire. Training for kayaking introduced her to new forms of cross-training—including surfing, a sport that quickly became another passion. 

At the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Alana competed in sprint kayaking, marking her third Paralympic sport across four Games. Competing at this level in one discipline is remarkable; doing so in three speaks to her relentless commitment to pushing athletic boundaries. 

Surfing Toward the Future 

Through kayak cross-training, Alana discovered a love for surfing. What began as a way to improve her performance on the water became another competitive pursuit. 

In 2017, she placed 5th at the Surfing America USA Championship and has since become a leader in the push for adaptive surfing to be included in the 2028 Paralympic Games. For Alana, surfing represents not only personal passion but also the opportunity to expand access and visibility for another adaptive sport on the global stage. 

Career Highlights 

• 2008 Beijing Paralympics (Wheelchair Basketball): Gold medal 

• 2010 Vancouver Paralympics (Alpine Skiing): Two golds, one silver, one bronze 

• 2012 London Paralympics (Wheelchair Basketball): Competitor 

• 2014 Sochi Paralympics (Alpine Skiing): Competitor 

• 2016 Rio Paralympics (Paracanoe): Competitor 

• Adaptive Surfing: 5th at Surfing America USA Championship 

Her achievements not only reflect athletic versatility but also demonstrate the opportunities that open when athletes have access to the right equipment and support. 

Beyond Medals 

Alana’s story has reached audiences worldwide through outlets like 60 Minutes, her REI Wild Ideas Worth Living podcast feature, and her personal website. But beyond media appearances and medal counts, she emphasizes the role of community, access, and support in her journey. 

From the moment she received her first basketball chair and mono-ski through a CAF grant, Alana became part of a network that helped transform possibility into achievement. Her career underscores the power of providing athletes with physical disabilities the tools to thrive in sport. 

Continuing to Lead 

Today, Alana continues to compete, mentor, and advocate for greater opportunities in adaptive sports. Her focus on developing adaptive surfing reflects her ongoing commitment to growth—not only for herself but for future athletes who will benefit from increased visibility and inclusion. 

She remains a role model in demonstrating what it means to push boundaries, redefine goals, and build a legacy across multiple sports. 

Be Part of the Movement 

Alana Nichols’ career demonstrates the importance of access, equipment, and community support in creating pathways to success. With CAF’s continued investment in athletes, stories like hers become possible. 

You can help expand those opportunities—by supporting CAF programs, volunteering at events, or sharing the journeys of athletes like Alana who are breaking barriers in sport and beyond.