Alana Nichols is a distinguished American Paralympic athlete, renowned for her exceptional skills in wheelchair basketball and alpine skiing. After a life-altering spinal cord injury at the age of 17, Alana transitioned into adaptive sports, quickly making her mark in wheelchair basketball at the University of New Mexico. Her dedication and talent led her to the national team in 2005, where she played a pivotal role in securing a silver medal at the 2006 Wheelchair Basketball World Championship. Alana’s Paralympic debut in 2008 was a historic moment, as she contributed to the U.S. women’s team winning a gold medal at the Beijing Games.

Following her success in basketball, Alana expanded her athletic repertoire by pursuing alpine skiing. She began training with the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Colorado and achieved remarkable success, including two gold medals, a silver, and a bronze at the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games in Vancouver. This achievement made her the first American woman to win gold medals in both Summer and Winter Paralympic events, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in adaptive sports.

In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Alana has been an advocate for adaptive sports and has served on various boards, including ESPNW and the Women’s Sports Foundation. Her commitment to promoting opportunities for athletes with disabilities is evident through her public speaking engagements and her involvement in initiatives aimed at increasing visibility for adaptive sports.

Alana continues to inspire others through her athletic pursuits and advocacy work. She has recently ventured into paracanoe and adaptive surfing, showcasing her versatility and passion for sports. As she prepares for future competitions, Alana remains a beacon of resilience and determination, encouraging others to embrace challenges and pursue their dreams.