Meet Adaptive Athlete: Brierley McCubbins

Brierley grew up in Sparks, NV, immersed in the outdoors through horseback riding, trail running, rock climbing, alpine mountaineering, and fly fishing. In February 2025, while working as a trails guide in South Africa, she experienced paralysis due to NMOSD, a rare autoimmune disease that caused lesions around her spine at T7, affecting communication between her brain and legs. She has regained some movement in her left leg and partial function in her right while undergoing chemotherapy to manage the disease.

 

Her recovery has been challenging, both physically and emotionally. Brierley focuses on lifting, riding horses, fishing, and welding to maintain her independence and sense of self. Despite setbacks, she has worked to navigate the impact of her injury, including personal losses, while leaning on the support of her family and community.

 

Brierley is eager to find an adaptive sport that inspires her and to learn new training routines she can continue independently. Her ultimate goal is to rebuild confidence, push beyond limitations, and bridge the gap between the person she was before her injury and who she is becoming today.