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- EXPIRED -

Teacher Turned Player has Lessons of His Own

By Taylor Bond, NWBA, 07/08/16, 9:30PM CDT

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John Gilbert may be a teacher in real life but his lessons go far beyond the classroom and the court. He got into wheelchair basketball a little sooner than most. When he was in the hospital after experiencing a serious injury, he met a friend who helped him cope with his disability. This friend introduced him to the sport and later went on to be his Junior teammate. In 1997 after seeing a wheelchair basketball tournament and convincing his mom it wasn’t “that” dangerous, he was able to join a team. 

His mom in fact grew to be his biggest supporter, inspiration and overall role model for Gilbert as he grew into a National Team player. She took him to practices and encouraged him to shoot for the stars, even when he would become discouraged. His mom died a few years back but Gilbert knows she is still with him every step of the way. He hears her voice in his head, humorously yelling at him to get up for practice

Gilbert is the ultimate family man to say the least. He has a beautiful wife in raising foster children in their home. They have about 3-4 children in and out of their home at a time. He is also very close with his sister who is engaged and he couldn’t be happier and more excited for her. He adds his sister would go to all his practices and games, all without a single complaint.

Outside of being a U.S. Paralympian and well-rounded family man, this superstar is a high school chemistry teacher. He studied Biology at the University of Missouri and also got a masters in secondary education. This young scholar was destined to be a teacher from the start. He also hopes to one day become a superintendent.

“I love being a teacher and I enjoy the kids, they are some of my biggest supporters. Also I get paid to mix chemicals for a living,” Gilbert added.

In his spare time, Gilbert enjoys playing video games and board games with his kids and family. He also can be very outdoorsy and loves a good fishing trip. He also loves just being with his teammates and claims they have become his brothers.

Being a Kansas native, and then growing up in Fairfax, Missouri, he can’t help but love all things Kansas. He is very proud to be a fan of the 2015 World Series Champions Kansas City Royals. He also keeps up with the Kansas City Chiefs and University of Missouri athletics.

As he heads into his first Paralympic Games, he is most excited about the overall experience he will have with all of his teammates.

“Wheelchair basketball is great, but the friends and brothers you make on the journey, that is priceless,” Gilbert adds.

He claims “ball is life” and has no real plans after the Games are over and for the day he has to put his court shoes up. He lives by his mantra of never giving up and he hopes to never have to give up his dreams of playing and ultimately winning gold this September.