Paralympic Alpine Ski Racer 2022 2023 Season

My name is Allie Johnson and I am a proud woman with a disability. 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. This past 2022 season, I competed for the first time in the World Championships, a World Cup and the Paralympics, the last of which is a goal that I have been chasing for my entire life.

Af

ter getting a taste of what it takes to become a professional skier, I am more committed than ever to becoming the best I can be. I am proud of what I accomplished with the limited experience I had, but I know I have a lot more left in me. I was named to the US National Team for the 2022/2023 season and I will be training with the National Sports Center for the Disabled full-time and updating multiple pieces of my equipment, including my boots and skis. I will also be traveling around Europe for multiple World Cups. My budget for this season is going to be around $20,000 which is where I need the help of my partners. My life’s mission is to enable others with disabilities to achieve their goals through teaching, support and example. I am seeking partners to not only help chase a dream but to better myself and the disabled community along the way. Thank you for your time and consideration.