Luján Welcomes Paralympic Gold Medalist and Farmington Native Alana Nichols to Washington. Courtesy photoCONGRESSIONAL News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District welcomed three-time Paralympic gold medalist and Farmington native Alana Nichols to Washington, D.C. Thursday June 9.
Nichols is the first female American athlete to win gold in both the summer and winter Paralympic/Olympic Games, first winning gold in Wheelchair Basketball in Beijing and then in Alpine Skiing in Vancouver. She is currently training to compete in Sprint Kayak in Rio de Janeiro later this year.
“Alana Nichols is an inspiration to so many in New Mexico and across the country. Through determination and discipline she has become a world-class athlete, overcoming obstacles to achieve her dreams,” Luján said. “I am excited that Alana will again represent Farmington, New Mexico, and America on the global stage. I wish her the best as she continues to train for Rio and once again goes for the gold. I know she will continue to make us all proud.”
During their visit in Luján’s Washington office, they discussed Nichols’ journey from Farmington to the Paralympics and the important role sports played in her life following a snowboarding accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 17.
They also talked about the importance of supporting adaptive sports programs, including the good work that is going on in New Mexico, and the need to continue efforts to increase opportunities for people with disabilities.
