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Famous Paralympic Winners: Beyond the glamour and glitz of the Olympics, there is a parallel universe of athletics excellence which is the Paralympics. These games celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of athletes with disability, showcasing their willingness, resilience and unbeatable spirit. India also offers some sports scholarships to help young ones make their names in the world of sports. The Paralympics proved that true athleticism knows no bounds. In this blog, we will explore the remarkable journeys of the most iconic Paralympic champions, their story of victory and many more things.
Table of Contents
List of Famous Paralympic Winners
Here is the list of famous Paralympic winners is mentioned below with the sport each athlete related with-
| Name of the Athlete | Sports |
| Devendra Jhajharia | Javelina |
| Avni Lekhara | Shooting |
| Trischa Zorn | Swimming |
| Beatrice Hess | Swimming |
| Ragnhild Myklebust | Skiing |
| Reinhild Moeller | Alpine Skiing |
| Michael Edgson | Swimming |
Know All about the Famous Paralympic Winners
In a world often defined by limitations, the Paralympics Games stand as proof of the indomitable human spirit. These extraordinary athletes, overcome physical challenges that would deter most. Let’s know about some of these Famous Paralympic Winners –
Devendra Jhajharia
Devendra Jhajharia a name associated with Indian Paralympic excellence, has written marked his name in the annals of sports history. He was born on 10 June 1981 in a small village in Rajasthan, India. At the tender age of eight, he lost his right arm due to an accident. With the unshakeable support from the family and coaches Jhajharia’s career started to take shape and the turning point in his life came in 20002 when he won a silver medal in F46.
| About Devendra Jhajharia | |
| Name | Devendra Jhajharia |
| Born | 10 June 1981 |
| Sport | Para-Athletics |
| Event | F46 Javelin |
| Coached by | Sunil Tanwar |
Avani Lekhara
Avni Lekhara is from the Rajasthan India. Despite facing the challenges of paraplegia she got her passion for shooting. Avani Lekhara’s early life was a proof of determination and resilience. She embraced shooting as a means to express her talent and compete at the highest level. Lekhara’s accomplishments extended beyond her paralympic victories. She has consistently excelled in international competitions, representing India with distinction.
| About Avani Lekhara | |
| Name | Avani Lekhara |
| Born | 8 November |
| Age | 22 |
| Sport | Shooting |
| Event | Air Rifle SH1 |
| Achievements | First Indian Woman to Win Paralympic Gold Double Medalist at Tokyo Paralympics Paralympic Record Holder World No. 1 Ranking Multiple World Cup Medals Padma Shri Awardee Assistant Conservator of Forest |
Trischa Zorn
Trischa Zorn was born on June 1 1964. She is an American Paralympic swimmer who has etched her name into the annals of sports history. Since a younger age, she had a passion for swimming and despite having her visual impairment she embraced the sport with a great passion. Her accomplishments helped to break down barriers and inspire countless others with disabilities to pursue their athletic aspirations.
| About Trischa Zorn | |
| Name | Trischa Zorn |
| Born | June 1, 1964 |
| Event | Paralympic Swimming |
| Sport | Swimming |
| Achievements | 47 Paralympic Gold Medals9 Olympic Gold MedalsNumerous World RecordsNamed US Paralympian of the Year Multiple Times |
Read About – Meet Deepa Malik, the Extraordinary Paralympian!
Beatrice Hess
Beatrice Hess was born on 10 November 1961 and in the world of para-swimming has carved out an extraordinary legacy that transcends the boundaries of sport. From an early age, she has faced the challenges of cerebral palsy. Her journey started at the 1964 Paralympic Games in New York where she got the world’s attention by winning four gold medals.
| About Beatrice Hess | |
| Name | Beatrice Hess |
| Born | 10 November 1961 |
| Sport | swimmer |
| Achievements | 2006 Olympic Gold Medalist in Giant Slalom 2007 World Champion in Giant Slalom Multiple World Cup victories Retired from professional skiing in 2010 |
Ragnhild Myklebust
Born with a congenital spinal defect Ragnhild Myklebust faced a world that tried to stop her due to her disability. She opted for a new approach and focused on her passion instead of reacting towards societal taunts. Her incredible talent and determination led her to win a staggering 27 Paralympic medals, including 22 golds, making her one of the most decorated athletes in the history of Paralympics.
| About Ragnhild Myklebust | |
| Name | Ragnhild Myklebust |
| Born | 13 December 1943 |
| Event | Cross-country skiing, ice sledge speed racing, biathlon |
| Sports | Paralympic Winter Games |
| Achievements | 27 Paralympic medals (22 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze) Holds the record for the most Paralympic gold medals in cross-country skiing (16) Competed in five Paralympic Winter Games (1988-2002) Her achievements are recognised in the Guinness Book of World Records |
Reinhild Moeller
Reinhild Moellerborn in Germany faced adversity from a young age when she lost half of her left leg in a farm accident when she was just 3 years old. Through all these stebacksMoeller’s resilience shone through as she discovered a passion for skiing and went on to become one of the most successful Paralympic athletes in History.
| About Reinhild Moeller | |
| Name | Reinhild Moeller |
| Born | February 24, 1956, |
| Event | Alpine skiing |
| Sports | Paralympic Winter Games |
| Achievements | 12 Paralympic medals (7 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze) One of the earliest and most successful German Paralympic alpine skiers. Competed in multiple Paralympic Winter Games. Her achievements contributed to the growth and recognition of Paralympic alpine skiing |
Know About – Devendra Jhajharia, Silver Medalist at Tokyo Paralympics
Michael Edgson
Despite having a visual impairment, Michael Edgson became one of the most successful Paralympic swimmers of all time, winning a staggering 18 gold medals and setting numerous world records. Growing up Edgson tried different sports like hockey and soccer but his vision made it difficult to play. This was the time he got to know about swimming as his passion. Michael Edgson developed a unique swimming style that allowed him to complete the highest level,
| About Michael Edgson | |
| Name | Michael Edgson |
| Born | 6 May 1969 |
| Age | 55 |
| Sport | Swimming |
| Coached by | Mike Blondal Peter Vizsolyi Ron Jacks |
FAQs
In the history of the Paralympics Swimmer Trischa Zorn-Hudson is the most successful athlete. She won 55 medals, including 41 gold medals, over seven Paralympics.
The most famous Paralympic athlete in India is Deepa Malik who was born on 30 September 1970 and started her career at the age of 30.
Paralympic history started in 1948 at a hospital for war veterans in Stoke Mandeville, located 60 kilometres north of London.
Relevant Reads
This was all about Famous Paralympic Winners. If you want to know more about other Famous Personalities then visit our General Knowledge page!