Meet Adaptive Athlete: Matthew Krumwiede

Matthew Krumwiede was raised in Pocatello, Idaho. He fell in love with snowboarding in third grade, thanks to his ski-instructor mom who got her kids on the slopes whenever possible, and stayed passionate about it ever since. He also played roller hockey and lacrosse, drawn to its speed, power, and agility. An Eagle Scout through Boy Scouts, those experiences deepened his love for adventure and the outdoors.

 

After graduating high school in 2010, Matthew enlisted in the Army, serving as an 11B Infantryman, reaching the rank of Sergeant. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. On June 12, 2012, in Kandahar Province, while leading a squad on patrol and setting up security under fire, he stepped on a pressure-plate IED. The blast amputated both legs above the knee, severely damaged his left arm and abdomen, and knocked him unconscious. Medevac'd to Brooke Army Medical Center, he endured nearly 50 surgeries and three years of rehab before medically separating in from the Army.

 

Recovery was brutal - repeated complications, hospital stays, and setbacks delayed progress. Early on, Matthew battled a poor attitude, pain medication abuse, and disconnection from life, feeling passion fade even in outdoor programs. A key conversation with his mom prompted a move back to Idaho, where he gradually accepted his reality, worked through depression, and began building a better life. Physically, he feels ongoing weakness and tightness; socially, connecting can be tougher when activities with friends feel draining or impossible, though he's gained unique travel, work, and people experiences. He keeps a positive vibe, smiles easily, and loves to laugh.

 

Today, Matthew is focused on sustainable progress and renewed drive. He wants to build good habits with home-friendly exercises that improve body awareness, controlled range of motion, form, and functional strength to keep recreating in the sports he loves as he ages. Mentally, he seeks to break stagnation - especially in a small community where finding a welcoming yet challenging group is hard - by rebuilding internal motivation through small, consistent steps, clearer focus, and the confidence that steady effort will lead to real growth and meaningful challenges ahead.