In 1948, the Paralympics made their debut in London, England. Now, over 50 years later, they are going back to the city where they had their humble beginnings…only this time there is nothing small about the games.
This year’s Paralympics, taking place August 29th through September 9th, have received an unprecedented amount of coverage. Although they aren’t being aired on TV, a little thing called the internet has made it possible for the general public to view the games. The IPC is taking full advantage of this and will air complete coverage of the games at www.paralympic.org.
With a ton of awesome athletes slated to compete, we can’t wait to watch them online! There are several injury survivors on Team USA that are expected to do big things. Take a look at their profiles below….
Sport: Wheelchair volleyball
Injury: Traumatic Amputation
Prior to her injury, Monique was an all around athlete, competing in softball, track and field and basketball. After her injury, she participated in an A2 sitting volleyball camp at the University of Central Oklahoma. Shortly after, she was invited to the 2010 Sitting Volleyball World Championships and has been active in the sport every since.
Sport: Wheelchair Tennis
Injury: Spinal Cord Injury
When Wagner survived a spinal cord injury in 1995, doctors told him he would never be able to play tennis again. Well, he certainly proved them wrong. Currently, he is ranked #1 in the world in Quad singles and Quad doubles. He hopes to earn another gold medal at this year’s games.
Sport: Track and Field
Injury: Traumatic Amputation
Clemens survived a traumatic amputation while serving overseas. After his injury, he attended a Learn to Run Clinic held by U.S. Paralympics at Brooke Army Medical Center…and he hasn’t looked back since. We’re excited to watch him compete this year!
Sport: Sailing
Injury: Spinal Cord
In 1999, Jennifer French was the first women to receive the Implantable Stand & Transfer System. French has been recreationally active her entire life and regularly participates in canoeing, snowboarding, sailing, fly fishing, scuba diving/snorkeling and cycling. She plans to compete in sailing this year, a sport she began competing in as a college student.
