ANNIKA HUTSLER: VETERAN, AMPUTEE, AND ELITE ATHLETE
Inspiration comes in many forms, and luckily for all of us, so, too, does Annika Hutsler. Here lately, Hutsler’s been making a name for herself in the world of snowboarding, but as you’ll soon realize, she’s also making moves off of the slopes. To the woman who's now also making her way in the modeling scene, this Veteran continues to show that she can do anything she sets her ambitions toward. All while representing others in the process. Suggested read:Meet Ken Norton, the Marine Who Beat Muhammad Ali
Who Is Annika Hutsler?
Annika Hutsler, a.k.a @annikatheamputee, is a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), having served America only days after finishing her Bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University. Sadly, her military career would but cut short after noticing pain in her leg. During her recruit training, Hutsler told her drill instructor about the pain, who believed she was overreacting and that the extra stress coming from boot camp was the problem. It was expected that her body would adjust. There was more to the story. “I kept that mindset. I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m just being weak. It’s going to get better, and I’m going to get stronger, and it’s going to be fine.’ And then it never did,” said Hutsler. While Hutsler was training to be an Electronics Maintenance Technician at Twentynine Palms, California, a Navy medical worker concluded that there was a stress fracture. Less than nine months later, it was discovered that Hutsler had a rapidly growing tumor in her foot. Over many months, several procedures were conducted, and doctors concluded that eventually, within five to fifteen years, she would need it amputated. She elected to amputate immediately. Soon afterward, 22-year-old Annika Nadine Hutsler was winning silver medals in both the 100-meeter and 200-meter wheelchair races as part of the Paralympic-style U.S. Department of Defense Warrior Games. From there, and with assistance from a Wounded Warrior Battalion program, Hutsler began exploring other sports, including archery and wheelchair rugby. But even this was only the beginning of Hutsler’s ambitions, as she began to explore a variety of other sports, including volleyball, rock climbing, swimming, and much more. This includes her 2026 Paralympics journey into snowboarding, a passion she developed while in college. However, as if defending our country, excelling in academics, and developing into a Paralympian weren't enough, Hutsler is also becoming noticed due to her photo shoot in Pin-ups For Vets and her social media content.
Pin-ups For Vets
Pin-Ups for Vets calendar | Shane Karns[/caption] Actress/model Gina Elise founded Pin-ups For Vets in 2006. The non-profit organization helps injured and ill American troops, including those on active duty. The Pin-ups For Vets Calendar uses tasteful pin-up imagery mixed with vintage military equipment, such as bikes and tanks. Many models are Veterans, like Hutsler. Proceeds from these sales provide help to those who need it the most. So far, they have donated more than $50,000 to hospitals for Veterans. The Pin-ups For Vets 2023 Calendar featured 13 women who've provided more than 101 years of service to the U.S. military. Annika Hutsler is one of the 13 on the latest roster of Pin-ups for Vets models.
Follow Annika the Amputee
From motivational speeches to her athletic journey and more, there's plenty to follow when it comes to Hutsler. Her content is available on many popular social media platforms as she continues to show representation and determination to overcome the obstacles life throws our way. Annika has come to find out that through her hard work and positive attitude, she can be a beacon for others looking for representation. Such was the case at a competition in 2021 when she met a 10-year-old girl beaming at the opportunity. “It hit me at that moment: This little girl is 10 years old, from a middle-of-nowhere Texas town. She’s the only girl in her whole school who looks like her, probably the only girl in her whole town who looks like her. And now she’s opening up a mainstream magazine that they just happen to get, and they see somebody who looks like her,” said Hutsler. In addition to Pin-ups For Vets, Hutsler has appeared in advertisements for predominant brands, such as Athleta and Target. She even walked the runway for the legendary fashion house Tommy Hilfiger. Annika Hutsler is one to watch and a continual inspiration whether she's competing, modeling, or inspiring others… well, that last one never really stops. Read next:Meet Mike Gabler: Survivor 43 Contestant Who's Doing It for the Military
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Photo by EJ Hersom