The Journey of John Boie: From Wisconsin Farm to Paralympic Gold

In the latest episode of Travel Talk With Joy, we had the privilege of speaking with John Boie, a gold medalist from the 2020 Paralympic Games, where he was a key player on the USA Wheelchair Basketball Team. John’s journey from a small-town farm in Wisconsin to the international stage of the Paralympics is a story of determination, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of a true athlete. In the episode, they cover John's upbringing, his journey to becoming a Paralympic gold medalist, and accessible travel.

Who is John Boie?

John Boie is a Paralympic gold medalist and an inspiring figure in the world of wheelchair basketball. Growing up on a 200-head dairy farm in southern Wisconsin, John faced a life-altering accident at the age of two, resulting in a T4-T5 incomplete paraplegic injury. Despite these early challenges, John’s upbringing on the farm instilled in him a strong work ethic and resilience. Today, he is celebrated for his athletic achievements and his commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports. He will be competing in the upcoming 2024 Paralympic Games.

Growing Up on a Wisconsin Farm: Building Resilience as a Young Wheelchair User

John’s upbringing on the farm instilled in him a strong work ethic and problem-solving skills, especially with the challenge of being a paraplegic. But parents made sure he was never treated differently because of his disability; instead, they encouraged him to participate fully in farm life, from feeding and milking the cows to picking rocks in the fields.

He learned to navigate the rough terrain of the farm, often crawling or finding creative ways to get his chores done. “You definitely figure out what terrains are easier than others,” he recalls, emphasizing how these early experiences helped shape his tenacious spirit. This hands-on, can-do approach to life laid the foundation for John’s future success, both on and off the basketball court.

Discovering Wheelchair Basketball: A New World of Possibilities

John’s introduction to wheelchair basketball came at the age of 11 when he attended a summer camp at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. It was here that he first experienced playing against others with disabilities and realized the level of competition he could aspire to. This experience was transformative; it not only ignited his passion for the sport but also introduced him to role models who showed him what was possible. John fondly remembers a player named Opie, a Paralympian who gave him his first basketball chair, a gesture that would kickstart his competitive journey.

Inspired by what he saw, John joined a team in Madison and began to compete at the junior level. The basketball chair became more than just a piece of equipment; it was like putting on an Iron Man suit, transforming him into a fierce competitor.

"It’s something that levels the field and makes it really fun," John explains, highlighting how wheelchair basketball gave him the confidence to compete against others, regardless of their level of ability.

College Basketball and the Road to Team USA

When it came time to choose a college, John made an easy decision to attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, a school renowned for its wheelchair basketball program. Often referred to as the "Duke" or "Kentucky" of wheelchair basketball, Whitewater has a long history of producing elite athletes who go on to play professionally and represent Team USA. During his time at Whitewater, John honed his skills and developed the competitive edge that would carry him to the highest levels of the sport.

In wheelchair basketball, players are classified based on their physical abilities, ranging from 1.0 (indicating the least physical function, like limited core and hip movement) to 4.5 (indicating the most physical function). John’s classification as a 1.0 player reflects his limited core and hip function, yet he excels in his role by strategically setting up plays and supporting his teammates on the court. As a lower classification player, John's job often involves setting up plays, assisting teammates, and doing the essential "dirty work" that allows his team to thrive. His ability to see the game from a different perspective and his willingness to do whatever it takes for his team have made him an invaluable asset.

The Rigorous Journey to the Paralympics

The path to the Paralympics is grueling, requiring athletes to undergo intense training regimens while balancing work and personal life. For John, this meant hours in the gym, scrimmaging with the college team, and participating in club tournaments across the country. “I daylight as an academic adviser and teach seminar courses for first-generation students,” John shares, highlighting the balance he maintains between his professional and athletic commitments.

Despite these challenges, John’s dedication paid off when he was selected for the Team USA roster, where he played a pivotal role in securing the gold medal at the 2020 Paralympic Games. The journey was not without its hurdles; the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted training schedules, and John faced a significant shoulder injury just before the Games. However, with the help of the Olympic Training Center in Colorado, where he received intensive rehabilitation, John was able to recover and compete at his best.

The Experience of Competing in the 2020 Paralympic Games

The 2020 Paralympic Games, held in 2021 due to the pandemic, were a unique and challenging experience. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, training and preparation became increasingly difficult. Despite these challenges, John’s first Paralympic experience was unforgettable. Playing against the home team, Japan, in the final game was an incredible honor. “It was very cool to see the fans and how much it meant for them to play for that medal in their home country,” John reflects.

The victory was made even more special as it was achieved on Japanese soil, a testament to the team’s resilience and skill. With limited spectators allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions, the support from volunteers and local fans added an extra layer of emotion to the final match. “We’ve played in a few tournaments where we can see what that level of sound is like,” John notes, emphasizing the importance of communication on the court amidst a noisy crowd.

Challenges and Triumphs in International Travel

Beyond his athletic achievements, John has also faced the unique challenges of traveling as a wheelchair user. Traveling for international tournaments has taken him across the globe, from South America to Europe and Asia. While Europe generally offers the best accessibility, John highlights that other regions like South America have made significant strides in inclusivity.

John shares a story of traveling to Colombia for a zonal qualifier tournament, which was one of the most challenging places he’s been due to accessibility issues. However, he also talks about the warmth and hospitality of the locals, which made up for the lack of infrastructure. Japan, in particular, left a lasting impression on John due to its high level of accessibility and the respectful attitude of its people toward individuals with disabilities. "Japan did a really good job of accessibility," he says, appreciating how the local culture's inherent respectfulness translated into a welcoming environment for disabled visitors.

John recalls another challenging travel experience in Mexico, where navigating the terrain was difficult, but again, the experience was enriched by the local community's efforts to accommodate the needs of wheelchair users. "You have to do a lot of problem-solving ahead of time," John notes, emphasizing the importance of planning when traveling as a wheelchair user.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Paris 2024

As John prepares for the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris, his focus remains on bringing home another gold medal. With a strong sense of camaraderie among his teammates and a deep love for the sport, John is ready to face the challenges ahead. “We’re USA, we got a target on our back,” he says with determination, embracing the challenge of defending their title. His story serves as an inspiration not only to those with disabilities but to anyone facing adversity.

Final Thoughts

John Boie’s journey from a Wisconsin farm to the world stage of the Paralympics is a powerful reminder that with determination, resilience, and the right support, anything is possible. As he gears up for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, we’ll be cheering him on, hoping to see him add another gold medal to his collection.

Be sure to tune in to the next episode of Travel Talk With Joy, where we’ll continue to explore the incredible stories of those who travel through life a little differently.

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