Justin Gibbs: A New Way Forward
For Justin Gibbs, movement has always been a part of life. Originally from Tacoma, Washington, Justin came to Boise to play football for Boise State University in the early 1990s. He still remembers the excitement of stepping onto the field for the first time.
“I remember the first time I ran out onto the field,” said Justin. “I couldn’t feel my feet touch the ground, I was so excited. It was incredible.”
That active lifestyle continued as Justin built a family. From mountain biking to skiing to fly-fishing, he spent decades finding joy in movement and the outdoors with his family.
“I thought because I was fit that I was healthy,” explained Justin. “But there’s a difference, and I learned that the hard way.”
After experiencing a stroke, Justin faced an unexpected and uncertain road to recovery.
“I literally couldn’t stand, couldn’t walk, I was in a wheelchair,” said Justin. “I would go to the gym, but I was the only challenged athlete in the gym and that felt very awkward for me.”
The transition was difficult. Justin was working toward recovery, but he hadn’t yet found a community that understood what he was experiencing. Rebuilding his physical strength was not only part of the challenge. He also needed to regain confidence in himself and discover what was still possible.
“One of my physical therapists, she said, ‘Justin, you’ve got to go check out the Fieldhouse.’ And my life changed considerably after that.”
Through Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse, Justin found more than a place to exercise. He found a community of athletes who understood his experiences, encouraged his progress, and helped him recognize new possibilities.
“The community is very special to challenged athletes,” said Justin. “When I came here, I saw what was possible and what I could do again because I have others that are in the same situation that encourage me along.”
The Fieldhouse also became a place where he could offer that same encouragement to others.
“I very much look forward to coming to the workouts not just for the workout, but to see my friends and my community, be able to talk to them, figure out what’s their next mountain ride or what they are working towards so I can encourage them,” said Justin.
Surrounded by other athletes, Justin worked to rebuild his own confidence and strength, set new goals, and even return to the outdoor activities that have always played a huge role in his life.
Today, he’s back to skiing, mountain biking, and fly-fishing.
Getting back on the mountain was an especially emotional milestone. After everything he’d been through, skiing again brought back the same excitement he remembered from his earliest days playing college football.
“I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to be able to do that again,” said Justin. “I was so excited to be up on the mountain and skiing once again, I couldn’t feel my feet. Not just because they were cold, but I was so excited to be up there doing it again.”
Each activity looks a little different now, but Justin has learned that adapting doesn’t mean giving up the things that make your life meaningful.
“I don’t ski the same way, but I can still ski. I don’t mountain bike the same way, but I can still do it. And my flyfishing is different now, it’s with one hand instead of using two, but I still catch fish.”
For Justin, returning to these activities is about more than getting back outdoors. Each experience reflects the progress he’s made, the challenges he’s overcome, and the community that continues to support him.
He’s also learned that recovery takes time, and progress often comes through patience, persistence, and a willingness to keep showing up.
“Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, it takes a very long time,” said Justin. “What’s incredibly important with that is maintaining a positive attitude.”
That perspective, combined with the support of the Challenged Athletes Foundation and Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse communities, has helped Justin navigate recovery and embrace an active life that may look different, but is just as meaningful.
For Justin, moving forward meant returning to exactly how things were before his stroke. It’s meant discovering what he can still do, finding new ways to pursue what he loves, and recognizing that a different path can be just as rewarding.
“Life is very different and that’s okay, because do you know the difference between a complete debacle and an adventure? It’s attitude.”
