Kurt Fearnley

Kurt Fearnley is an Australian wheelchair racer, born on March 23, 1981, in Cowra, New South Wales. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Paralympians of all time. Fearnley began his professional career in 2000, winning multiple titles, including three Paralympic gold medals and two Commonwealth Games gold medals.

Fearnley is known for his incredible speed, strength, and determination. He has won numerous individual awards, including the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability, and holds multiple records, such as being the first athlete with a disability to crawl the Kokoda Track.

Off the track, Fearnley is also recognized for his advocacy for disability rights and influence, making significant contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Born without the lower portion of his spine, Fearnley was introduced to wheelchair racing at the age of 14. He made his professional debut in 2000.

Athens 2004 Paralympics

• Fearnley won two gold medals and a silver medal at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, marking his rise as a top wheelchair racer.

Beijing 2008 Paralympics

• Fearnley defended his title in the T54 marathon at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, setting a new Paralympic record.

London 2012 Paralympics

• Despite intense competition, Fearnley managed to clinch a silver medal in the T54 marathon at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

Rio 2016 Paralympics

• Fearnley competed in his final Paralympic Games in Rio 2016, finishing his Paralympic career with a silver medal in the T54 marathon.

Post-Retirement

• After retiring from professional sports, Fearnley continues to advocate for disability rights and is a motivational speaker.

Australian National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for Australia in 2000.

Achievements:

• Paralympic Games: Three gold, seven silver and three bronze medals.
• Commonwealth Games: Two gold and one silver medal.
• Fearnley is Australia's most decorated wheelchair racer.

• Position: Primarily a marathon racer, but also excels in shorter distance races.
• Skills: Known for his incredible speed, strength, and determination. Fearnley is celebrated for his versatility, endurance, and competitive spirit.

• Family: Fearnley is married and has two children.
• Advocacy: Fearnley is a strong advocate for disability rights and is involved in various charitable activities.

• Kurt Fearnley is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his determination, resilience, and advocacy for disability rights. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the track, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Paralympic Games:

• Three gold, seven silver and three bronze medals

Commonwealth Games:

• Two gold and one silver medal

New York Marathon:

• Five-time winner

Books

• Fearnley, K. (2018) Pushing the Limits: Life, Marathons & Kokoda. Sydney: Penguin Random House Australia.

Websites

• Paralympics Australia: Information about Kurt Fearnley’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org.au
• Australian Olympic Committee: Details about Fearnley’s career. Available at: https://www.olympics.com.au

Articles

• ABC News: Kurt Fearnley's career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/kurt-fearnley

Interviews and Documentaries

• The Project: Various interviews and features on Kurt Fearnley, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.10play.com.au/the-project