Born: 1963 (Binghamton, New York)
Biography:
Ann Cody, born on May 14, 1963, is a notable figure in the field of Paralympic sports and international disability rights. Throughout her life, she has made significant contributions as an athlete, advocate, and government official, leaving a lasting impact on society. Cody’s journey has been marked by determination, achievements, and a relentless pursuit of equality and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Growing up in Binghamton, New York, Cody discovered her passion for sports at an early age. While attending Groton High School, she excelled in various sports, including field hockey, volleyball, basketball, and softball. However, her life took an unexpected turn when she became disabled during her junior year. Despite facing this challenge, Cody did not let her disability define her or hinder her dreams.
Cody’s resilience and determination led her to the University of Illinois, where she pursued her education and athletic career. At Illinois, she obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Science degree while competing as a dual sport athlete in wheelchair basketball and wheelchair racing. Her dedication and perseverance paid off as she helped her team secure five national championships in wheelchair basketball between 1983 and 1991.
In 1984, Cody made her debut as a Paralympian, representing the United States in wheelchair basketball at the Summer Paralympics. This marked the beginning of a remarkable Paralympic career that would span over a decade. In her second Paralympic Games in 1988, Cody transitioned to athletics and won four silver medals in various events at the Summer Paralympics in Seoul, Korea.
Cody’s crowning moment came at her final Paralympic Games in 1992, held in Barcelona, Spain. Not only did she win a gold and a bronze medal in athletics, but she also played a crucial role in setting a world record in the 4 × 100 m relay. Cody’s achievements as a Paralympian showcased her exceptional athletic prowess but also served as a powerful symbol of determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
Beyond her Paralympic success, Cody demonstrated unwavering commitment to advancing disability rights on an international level. In 2005, she became the first woman Paralympian elected to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) governing board. This milestone achievement paved the way for increased representation and inclusion of women in leadership roles within the Paralympic movement.
During her tenure on the IPC governing board, Cody worked tirelessly to promote gender equity in sports. She spearheaded the development and adoption of IPC’s gender equity policy, which aimed to increase the representation of women in leadership positions and encourage greater participation of women athletes in the Paralympic Games. Cody’s efforts bore fruit, as evidenced by the significant increase in women athletes competing in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
In recognition of her contributions to Paralympic sports and disability rights, Cody received numerous accolades throughout her career. In 2017, she was awarded the prestigious Paralympic Order, a testament to her exceptional achievements and impact on society.
Today, Cody continues her advocacy work in the United States Department of State, where she serves in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, focusing on the advancement of international disability rights. Her dedication and unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world for people with disabilities continue to leave a lasting legacy.
Awards:
– Paralympic Order (2017)