Because of his aggressive playing style—often sliding headfirst into bases while wearing only shorts—Eric injured his knees. The constant scraping of skin on hard gravel caused deep abrasions and internal injuries. Years and years of wear and tear led to surgeries and more surgeries. At a certain point, Eric had to decide whether to endure the terrible pain and immobility caused by the mounting surgeries or have his right leg amputated. He opted for the latter, and in 2009, Eric had his right leg removed. A few years later, in 2018, he had to have his left leg amputated, resulting in him becoming a bi-lateral, above-knee amputee. Both 2009 and 2018 were the worst and yet best years of his life.
Eric found purpose and meaning. This started with his discovery and involvement in the sport of rowing, specifically adaptive rowing. He found, even though he was a bilateral amputee, that he could row using a machine called an ERG. Eventually, this led him into competition. He competed three times in the World Indoor Rowing Adaptive Championships in Boston, Massachusetts and won a silver medal at his first Championship. He recently finished first in the category of 60-year and older lower leg amputee males. In 2012, he was invited to try out for the United States Paralympic Rowing Team. Though he did not win a spot on the team, he is forever grateful for the opportunity and experience he gained through the leadership, inspiration, and motivation of his fellow athletes.
Links
Eric Gabriel Website: https://gabrieleric42.wixsite.com/website
Eric’s GoFundMe for his house: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-erics-disability-adaptive-home
GCU Graduation: https://youtu.be/QeZU8J3u2O0
GCU Feature: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXRaKUdYJrI
Duke University Spotlight: https://www.contrastcreative.com/portfolio/all-staff-event/?prev_page=9
ABC11 TV Feature: https://abc11.com/double-amputee-rowing-eric-gabriel-gofundme/6380274/
CW22 Web Feature: https://raleighcw.com/news/22-now/eric-gabriels-amputee-journey
Eric Gabriel on Amplitude Magazine: https://livingwithamplitude.com/tag/eric-gabriel/
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Want to learn more about our host Mike Bolland? See his website https://mikebolland.com/
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Join us as we delve into the groundbreaking work of Dr. Eric Martin, Chief of Vascular Surgery at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, and recipient of the 2025 OSF Innovator of the Year award. Dr. Martin's regenerative reconstruction techniques are offering new hope to patients facing potential amputations due to severe infections, traumatic injuries, or chronic ulcers. Utilizing biological materials like fish skin and pig bladder, these innovative procedures aim to restore tissue and preserve limbs.
Tom Jalinski, a double amputee from Littleton, is taking on a monumental challenge—hiking all 1,200 miles of Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail. In this episode, Tom shares his inspiring journey, from his past as an avid climber to the rigorous training he’s undergone to prepare for this six-month trek. He discusses the physical and mental challenges amputees face, his goal of raising awareness about life after limb loss, and the message he hopes to send to both the amputee and able-bodied communities. With a crowdfunding campaign to support his journey and a determination to prove that physical limitations don’t define one’s potential, Tom’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and unwavering spirit. Tune in to hear how he’s turning obstacles into opportunities—one step at a time.
In this impactful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland speaks out about a disturbing incident from the UK, where a woman without limb loss took to social media to mock individuals with visible limb differences—specifically targeting those with “nubs.” Mike calls out the cruelty and ignorance behind her actions, while emphasizing an important point: don’t give bullies the attention they crave. Sharing her posts only gives her more exposure and power. Instead, Mike encourages the limb loss community to rise above the hate—and to support one another with confidence and pride. “You are strong. You are resilient. And your difference is nothing to be ashamed of.” This episode is both a call for accountability and a reminder that dignity, not mockery, deserves the spotlight.
