Jean Driscoll

Jean Driscoll is an exceptional American wheelchair racer, born on November 18, 1966, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is widely regarded as one of the most successful athletes in the history of the Boston Marathon. Driscoll began her professional career in wheelchair racing after being introduced to the sport at the University of Illinois.

Driscoll is known for her speed, strength, and tactical acumen. She has won numerous awards, including eight Boston Marathon titles, and holds multiple records, such as the fastest time in the women's wheelchair division of the Boston Marathon.

Off the track, Driscoll is also recognized for her philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Introduction to Wheelchair Racing: Driscoll was introduced to wheelchair racing while studying at the University of Illinois. She started competing professionally shortly after.

Boston Marathon

• Remarkable Success: Driscoll participated in her first Boston Marathon in 1990. Over the next decade, she would win the women's wheelchair division a record-breaking eight times, including seven consecutive wins from 1990 to 1996. This run of victories remains unparalleled in the history of the Boston Marathon.

International Competitions

• Worldwide Recognition: Driscoll's success was not limited to the Boston Marathon. She also won the London Marathon twice and received two silver medals at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta.

Retirement and Beyond

• Continued Influence: Despite retiring from professional racing in 2000, Driscoll continues to be a strong advocate for people with disabilities. She has also made significant charitable contributions, particularly towards educational initiatives.

Paralympic Games

• Debut: Made her debut at the Paralympic Games in 1988.

Achievements:

• Wheelchair Racing: Two silver medals at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta.
• Driscoll is one of the most successful wheelchair racers in the history of the sport.

• Position: Competed primarily in distance races, particularly marathons.
• Skills: Known for her incredible speed, strength, and tactical acumen. Driscoll is celebrated for her endurance, determination, and racing strategy.

• Education: Driscoll holds a Bachelor's degree in Speech Communications and a Master's degree in Physical Education from the University of Illinois.
• Philanthropy: Driscoll is involved in various charitable activities and has donated significant sums towards educational initiatives and disability advocacy.

• Jean Driscoll is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her work ethic, determination, and advocacy for people with disabilities. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the track, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Wins in the Women's Wheelchair Division of the Boston Marathon:

• Eight wins

Fastest Time in the Women's Wheelchair Division of the Boston Marathon:

• Set the world record in 1994

Most Consecutive Wins in the Women's Wheelchair Division of the Boston Marathon:

• Seven consecutive wins from 1990 to 1996

Books

• Driscoll, J. (2012) Determined to Win: The Overcoming Spirit of Jean Driscoll. Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Press.

Websites

• Paralympic Games: Information about Jean Driscoll’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org
• Boston Athletic Association: Details about Driscoll’s career at the Boston Marathon. Available at: https://www.baa.org

Articles

• Boston.com: Jean Driscoll: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.boston.com
• The New York Times: Jean Driscoll’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Jean Driscoll, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.espn.com