Athletes with Disabilities
Athletes with disabilities are a hardy bunch, whether they're participating in individual or team sports, competitive or noncompetitive tourneys, elite or pick-up games. This is the place to read about your favorite wheelchair sports players, Paralympic competitors, or international handcyclists. Into extreme adaptive sports? Check out our amazing videos of amateurs going up and over - in their wheelchairs! Athletes with disabilities can inspire and motivate us all; read on to connect with their accomplishments.
Deaf sports has a long history, with many athletes contributing across a broad spectrum of sports to show that hearing-impaired athletes can compete at the highest levels.
Disabled Vietnam veteran Jack Benedick started the USDST more than 30 years ago after learning to ski as part of his rehabilitation program.
Disabled Skiing: Disabled Veteran Discusses The U.S. Disabled Ski Team's Beginnings
After nearly dying at 19 from septic shock, double amputee Amy Purdy has gone on to co-found Adaptive Action Sports to encourage people with disabilities to compete in extreme sports, including the snowboarding and wakeboarding she loves.
Amputee and world-record holder April Holmes is grateful for the chance to influence others through her amazing accomplishments at the 100, 200 and 400 meter distances on the track.
Amputee April Holmes, Paralympian, Helps Others with Disabilities
Articles
After Dreams are Shattered: Finding Hope after a Tragic Accident.
“Growing up in a small town, my life consisted of two main interests, hunting and baseball. In college I was named to the NAIA All-American team as a pitcher. In my senior year of college there was a...
Quadriplegic Cyclist Bob Wassom’s Quest for Paralympics
Can a 60-year-old quadriplegic cyclist hope to make the Paralympic team? Why not try, he replies, and goes to work in earnest with a fellow quad and the world’s top trainer.
Paraplegic Chris Waddell Summits Mt. Kilimanjaro
Even though Chris Waddell, Paralympian, didn’t achieve the status of becoming the first paraplegic to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro unassisted, he still accomplished an incredible feat and has become an...
Amputee Jason Lalla not only won a spot on the Paralympic ski team after a high school motorcycle accident took his leg, he went on to make a career out of designing prosthetics and coaching other...
Paralympian Creates Monoskis for People with Disabilities
Downhill monoskier Kevin Bramble will try for his third gold in the event at the 2010 Paralympics. In the meantime, he produces the favorite monoski of the USDST, the KBG. But he plans a 180, and we...
Wheelchair Racer Jacob Heilveil Gives Back
After more than two decades on the elite circuit, wheelchair racer Jacob Heilveil has taken a short break in training to raise his son and volunteer at disabled sports clinics. But he's got big plans...
