Jason Johnson

Jason is a life-long athlete and champion of physical activity. In April of 2019, on a snowboarding trip to Mammoth, CA, he had a terrible snowboarding accident that changed his life. Breaking 21 ribs and his L1 vertebrae, he spent 3 months in the hospital unable to move his arms and legs, and 8 months doing water therapy to build back strength and movement. Since his accident, Jason has limited mobility and uses a wheelchair. He has stayed committed to physical activity, early on, doing 5ks and 10ks in his everyday chair. During the pandemic, a friend and Angel City adaptive athlete, Rob Balucas, introduced him to Angel City Sports and our equipment loaner program so he could get a racing handcycle to compete. Before you knew it, he did the Pasadena Tri, was introduced to rowing, and kept surfing. Tennis, pickleball, and giving back, by starting a learn to swim kids program, have all been added to his impressive resume.

Jason’s sport experiences and adventures center around community and connection. Something he feels is vital for individuals with a life-changing disability, like a spinal cord injury. “There is depression and hopelessness as you process and work to recover. But having the opportunities to get out there and participate in adaptive sports and be a part of a group of peers are hugely important to one’s physical and mental health.”

Thank you, Jason for living by example, helping others, and showing us the power of sport. Join first responders like Jason at Courage Weekend, October 14-15 to celebrate adaptive athletes that make up this incredible veteran and first responder community.