Meet Adaptive Athlete: Nicholas Tanner

Nicholas Tanner, known as Nick, grew up in Adams, New York. In his late teens, he discovered a real passion for snowboarding - chasing the rush of fresh powder, the freedom of carving turns, and the thrill of pushing his limits on the mountain.

 

After high school, Nick enlisted in the Army on August 19, 2019, serving as a 12N (Horizontal Construction Engineer) until September 29, 2023. On June 17, 2021, during a training accident at Fort Bragg involving two others, Nick sustained severe injuries to his foot. By June 30, he underwent amputation and was transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, Texas. Over the next 18 months, he endured multiple surgeries and intensive rehabilitation before returning to Bragg. The process was grueling - physically exhausting and emotionally draining, but it also sparked a clear realization: he needed to commit fully to rebuilding himself.

 

Today, Nick is redirecting that built-up energy into purposeful growth. His overarching personal goal is to rediscover himself, channeling negative feelings into something meaningful and reclaiming a sense of purpose. Physically, he is focused on learning proper lifting techniques, correcting past habits, and establishing a sustainable daily routine that transforms how he trains. Mentally, he is determined to break free from dark headspaces, fight through the lows, and invest in practices that truly matter - moving beyond simply going through the motions to living with intention again.