Pushing Limits: Johnny Quintana, US Paralympic Athlete

From diagnosis to Team USA, he keeps climbing 

By An Sasala, FSHD Society 

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Johnny Quintana conquers challenges—and heights. A former football player and wrestler, Quintana regularly defies his doctor’s initial prognosis: that he could no longer be an athlete once diagnosed with FSHD. Diagnosed at 19, and now in his mid-30s, Quintana serves as a powerful example of strength, grit, and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing body.  

“A lot of people think climbing is about upper body strength. It’s not; it’s 75% legs. I have a really weak left leg…with foot drop…so I have to read the route and figure out what my body can do.” 

During his initial diagnosis, his doctor advised Quintana that his brain was now the most important muscle in his body. There’s truth to this statement: Quintana regularly uses his brain to problem solve and come up with adaptations to complete his routes. In addition to at least an hour-long warm up—“You don’t want to go into anything cold!”—Quintana “reads” the route before he sends it, looking for challenges and planning how to reach, swing, and climb past them. While Quintana’s body might complete the motions, his brain, and his deep awareness of his body, guide him through even the toughest courses. 

Quintana is the only current US Paralympic Team member living with a form of muscular dystrophy. During the interview, he shared that, since going public with his FSHD diagnosis, he regularly receives messages on social media. These inquiries range from questions about his workout routine and nutrition to stories from folks living with rare diseases. He responds to every message, sharing his tips and tricks.  

He notes that becoming a public figure shifted his goals from fighting his progression and completing physically demanding tasks to inspiring folks living with FSHD. “The goal of doing that [making the US Paralympic Team] is that I can inspire others who have what we have. To be able to touch other people’s lives.” 

In March 2025, Quintana placed 4th at the U.S. Paraclimbing Nationals, earning his spot on the U.S. Paralympic Climbing Team. He went on to compete in the Salt Lake City Paraclimbing World Cup in May, then claimed 2nd place at the Germany International Open in July. Most recently, in September, he represented Team USA at the IFSC World Championships in Seoul, South Korea, where he placed 5th. Looking ahead to 2026, Quintana will continue competing internationally while training with Team USA in preparation for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. 

Listen to Tim Hollenback’s full conversation with Johnny Quintana in our March 25, 2025 episode of FSHD Straight Talk. Interested in being on the show? Email Tim at FSHDRadio@FSHDSociety.org  

Follow Johnny and his career on Instagram: @JohnnyQuintana_Jr 

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This article was originally published in the The FSHD Advocate, 2025 Issue 2. Read the latest issue here.