Meet Adaptive Athlete: John Ekdom

John was born and raised in Allen, Texas where he spent as much time outdoors as he could. He enjoyed soccer, hiking, shooting at the range, and playing airsoft with friends. John enlisted in the military in 2016 before his high school graduation and continued on with junior college alongside his service.

John’s career in the Army led to him completing airborne school and becoming a psychological operations specialist and team leader.  One afternoon while riding his motorcycle home from work, John struck a barrier on the highway going about 80 miles per hour. 

 

As a result of the accident, John’s right leg was amputated below the knee, he suffered a broken femur, scapula, humerus, and a right knee cap. John spent about 30 days in the ICU and then another 30 in patient rehab where he learned how to live with his new body. He says that his mindset going into recovery was acceptance. He says that he understood where he was and what had happened and his mission now was to put his best (and only) foot forward. 

 

During his time at ATF, John wants to regain strength and endurance and work on his mental attitude to have more good days than bad.