Born: 1988 (Vendôme, Centre Region)
Biography:
Marie-Amélie Le Fur, born on September 26, 1988, is a renowned French Paralympic athlete hailing from Vendôme, in the Centre Region. Throughout her career, she has excelled in T44 sprint and F44 long jump events, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination. However, her journey to success was not without challenges.
At the age of 16, tragedy struck when Le Fur was involved in a motor scooter accident that resulted in the amputation of her left leg below the knee in 2004. Despite facing this life-altering setback, she refused to let it define her. Prior to the accident, Le Fur had already demonstrated her athletic prowess as a French junior running champion, hinting at the incredible potential that lay within her.
Le Fur’s indomitable spirit led her to compete in the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, China, marking the beginning of her Paralympic journey. There, she showcased her tremendous speed and agility, securing a silver medal in the women’s Long jump – F44 event, a silver medal in the women’s 100 meters – T44 event, and an eighth-place finish in the women’s 200 meters – T44 event.
However, it was in the 2012 Paralympic Games held in London where Le Fur truly made her mark on the international stage. Demonstrating her sheer determination and unwavering focus, she clinched the gold medal in the T44 100 meters event in a thrilling photo-finish, surpassing the Netherlands’ Marlou van Rhijn and the USA’s April Holmes. Her victory was a testament to her exceptional speed and unwavering spirit.
Le Fur’s talent and grit were further evident when she secured a silver medal in the T44 200 meters event, narrowly finishing behind Marlou van Rhijn but setting a remarkable new T44 world record time. Her performances resonated with fans around the world, solidifying her position as an athletic icon.
In the 2016 Summer Paralympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Le Fur’s star continued to ascend. She accomplished a remarkable feat by capturing gold medals in both the long jump T44 and the 400 meters T44 events. Notably, she set new world records in both events, further adding to her illustrious career. Additionally, she secured a bronze medal in the fiercely competitive 200 meters – T44 event, once again proving her remarkable versatility as an athlete.
Le Fur’s remarkable contributions to para-athletics have earned her widespread acclaim and recognition. She has not only showcased the immense capabilities of athletes with disabilities but has also shattered societal misconceptions surrounding disability and athleticism. Her achievements inspire countless individuals, demonstrating that limitations can be overcome and dreams can be achieved with unwavering determination.
Throughout her career, Le Fur has continued to push boundaries and serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide. Her exceptional performances, coupled with her charismatic personality, have established her as a beacon of hope and a true sporting icon.
Awards:
– Gold medal, T44 100m – 2012 Summer Paralympics (London)
– Silver medal, T44 200m – 2012 Summer Paralympics (London)
– Gold medal, Long jump T44 – 2016 Summer Paralympics (Rio de Janeiro)
– Gold medal, 400 meters T44 – 2016 Summer Paralympics (Rio de Janeiro)
– Silver medal, Long jump T64 – 2020 Summer Paralympics (Tokyo)