Hi, my name is Allie Johnson. I was born without a fully developed right arm and fused bones in my left arm. As an amputee, people often pity me or think that I would be better off without my disability...that is until they see me ski. Ski racing has given me a sense of self-confidence and pride in what my body can do. Sport has given me the gift of freedom-a gift that I have passed on to many others with disabilities as a therapeutic horseback riding instructor. If I was not born “different”, I would not have been given this amazing opportunity to live a life that constantly excites and challenges me: the life of a Paralympic ski racer. I do not simply ski for myself, I ski for everyone with a disability that has been told "you can't."
Before making the US Paralympic Team, I had only been racing for 3 years, including a severe tibia/fibula compound break in 2020. This being my first serious injury, it took a huge toll on not only my physical health but my mental health as well. However, it also sparked a drive inside of me to come back better than ever. After a year of surgeries, physical therapy and hard work, I managed to become the Super G US National Champion during my first race back in 2021. In 2022, I qualified for and competed in the Beijing 2022 Paralympics, a dream I've had my entire life, and then made the US National Team shortly after. My first season competing on the World Cup level, I claimed 4 World Cup medals and third place in the Giant Slalom World Cup Overall. I can't wait to see what the next season brings.
My mission is to enable others with disabilities to achieve their goals through teaching, support and example. With my past work as a therapeutic horseback riding instructor, I have enabled others through teaching and support. Through my dedication to being a Paralympic alpine skier, I am enabling others with disabilities through example. I ski to show the world what disabled women are truly capable of. My motto is ‘ski like a girl’ and every day I strive to be an example that little girls born with disabilities can look up to.
Before making the US Paralympic Team, I had only been racing for 3 years, including a severe tibia/fibula compound break in 2020. This being my first serious injury, it took a huge toll on not only my physical health but my mental health as well. However, it also sparked a drive inside of me to come back better than ever. After a year of surgeries, physical therapy and hard work, I managed to become the Super G US National Champion during my first race back in 2021. In 2022, I qualified for and competed in the Beijing 2022 Paralympics, a dream I've had my entire life, and then made the US National Team shortly after. My first season competing on the World Cup level, I claimed 4 World Cup medals and third place in the Giant Slalom World Cup Overall. I can't wait to see what the next season brings.
My mission is to enable others with disabilities to achieve their goals through teaching, support and example. With my past work as a therapeutic horseback riding instructor, I have enabled others through teaching and support. Through my dedication to being a Paralympic alpine skier, I am enabling others with disabilities through example. I ski to show the world what disabled women are truly capable of. My motto is ‘ski like a girl’ and every day I strive to be an example that little girls born with disabilities can look up to.
You can help me reach my goal of having my most successful season yet by donating to my travel, equipment and training fees at PayPal.me/allievjohnson, following my story on Instagram @allievjohnson or contacting me at [email protected].
