Laura Goodkind transitions to adaptive climbing after injury

Paralympic athlete Laura Goodkind has found a new focus in adaptive climbing, a sport she took up after a shoulder injury disrupted her previous athletic career. A veteran of wheelchair tennis and a two-time Paralympian in rowing, Goodkind faced a major hurdle when a rotator cuff tear led to complications following surgery. The setback prevented her from qualifying for the Paris Games and created uncertainty about her goals for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Her situation began to change when she sought help at UCLA Health, where orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sharon Hame treated her shoulder and encouraged her to explore different sporting avenues.

Goodkind has been involved in sports since childhood, having been diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant. She reached the highest levels of her field, competing in rowing at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. However, the rotator cuff injury was a significant blow to her ambitions. After an initial surgery at a different facility, Goodkind was told that her ongoing pain and lack of mobility were simply symptoms of her cerebral palsy. This misdiagnosis left her frustrated and questioning her future in competitive athletics.

Dr. Hame’s evaluation revealed a different story: the shoulder had not healed correctly, and the issues were related to her surgical recovery rather than her condition. To help her recover, Dr. Hame recommended rehabilitation exercises that involved hanging from her right arm to improve her range of motion. Because she could not find a suitable playground nearby for the exercise, Goodkind joined an indoor climbing gym that offered adaptive classes. The move led to an unexpected discovery of her talent for the sport. "Now I do it five times a week at least," Goodkind shared, noting her satisfaction with her physical progress.

Despite her limited range of motion, she has adapted her climbing technique and feels more capable than she did previously. Goodkind intends to continue climbing after an upcoming hip surgery by using a harness that allows her to leverage her upper body strength. Her transition to climbing reflects the wider impact of adaptive sports on people with disabilities. By moving into a new discipline, she exemplifies the determination of athletes who face physical challenges. Her story is a familiar one within the adaptive sports community and underscores the role that supportive medical care plays in helping athletes return to their passions.

Dr. Hame, who also serves as the team doctor for the Los Angeles Sparks, has expressed her admiration for Goodkind’s progress and has volunteered to provide medical support for adaptive athletes during the LA28 Games. Looking forward, Goodkind is weighing her options for the 2028 Paralympics, considering whether to focus on adaptive climbing or wheelchair tennis for qualification. She was recently recognized at a Sparks game, where she was honored for her resilience. Her next hip surgery, performed by Dr. Hame, is designed to further improve her athletic capabilities as she remains optimistic about her future in sport.