Ragnhild Myklebust

Ragnhild Myklebust is a Norwegian retired Paralympic athlete, born on November 25, 1954, in Sunnmøre, Norway. She is widely revered as one of the greatest Paralympians of all time. Myklebust began her professional career in Cross-Country Skiing, before expanding her expertise into Biathlon and Wheelchair Curling.

Myklebust is known for her incredible speed, strength, and versatility across multiple sports. She has won numerous individual awards, including 22 Paralympic gold medals, and holds multiple records, such as the most medals won by a woman in the Winter Paralympics.

Off the field, Myklebust is also recognized for her advocacy work for disability rights and inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Ragnhild Myklebust was born and raised in Sunnmøre and made her Paralympic debut in 1988 at the Winter Paralympics in Innsbruck, Austria. She competed in Cross-Country Skiing and won her first gold medal.

Later Career

• Myklebust continued to compete in multiple Winter Paralympics, expanding her sports to include Biathlon and Wheelchair Curling. She won numerous medals across these sports, establishing herself as one of the most successful Paralympians of all time.

Norway National Paralympic Team

• Debut: Made her debut for Norway in 1988.

Achievements:

• Winter Paralympics: Winner of 22 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals.
• Myklebust is Norway's most decorated Paralympian.

• Sports: Primarily a Cross-Country Skier, but also excelled in Biathlon and Wheelchair Curling.
• Skills: Known for her incredible speed, strength, and versatility. Myklebust is celebrated for her ability to excel in multiple sports.

• Family: Myklebust is married and has two children.
• Advocacy: Myklebust is involved in various advocacy activities for disability rights and has made significant contributions to the promotion of sports for people with disabilities.

• Ragnhild Myklebust is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her determination, and longevity in professional sports. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the field, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Medals in Winter Paralympics:

• Over 27 medals

Most Gold Medals in Winter Paralympics:

• 22 gold medals

Books

• Dolan, H. (2015) Ragnhild Myklebust: The Queen of the Paralympics. London: Orion Publishing Group.

Websites

• International Paralympic Committee: Information about Ragnhild Myklebust’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org

Articles

• BBC Sport: Ragnhild Myklebust: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/winter-sports/51874368
• The Guardian: Ragnhild Myklebust’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/ragnhild-myklebust

Interviews and Documentaries

• Myklebust: The Paralympic Queen (2015): Directed by Anthony Wonke. This documentary provides a detailed look at Myklebust’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Ragnhild Myklebust, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.espn.com