Born: 1989 (Leningrad, Soviet Union)
Biography:
Tatyana McFadden (Russian: Татьяна Макфадден; born April 21, 1989) is an American Paralympic athlete of Russian descent competing in the category T54. McFadden has won twenty Paralympic medals in multiple Summer Paralympic Games.
McFadden was born in Leningrad, then Soviet Union, on 21 April 1989. She was born with spina bifida, a congenital disorder that paralyzed her from the waist down. After her birth mother abandoned her in an orphanage that was too poor to afford a wheelchair for her, she walked on her hands for the first six years of her life. The doctors told her she was so sick that she had very little time to live.
While in the orphanage, she met Deborah McFadden, who was visiting Russia as a commissioner of disabilities for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Deborah and her partner Bridget O’Shaughnessy adopted Tatyana and took her to live in Baltimore.
Despite her physical challenges, McFadden was determined to live a full and active life. She took up a variety of sports while growing up to strengthen her muscles. First, she started swimming, then she tried gymnastics, wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, and track and field.
McFadden’s talent and determination led her to compete in the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens, Greece, where she made her mark in the world of Paralympic sports. She won a silver medal in the women’s 100 meters – T54 event, a bronze medal in the women’s 200 meters – T54 event, finished fifth in the women’s 400 meters – T54 event, and participated in the women’s 800 meters – T54 event.
Her success continued in the following years as she competed in the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, China. McFadden earned a silver medal in the women’s 200 meters – T54 event, a silver medal in the women’s 400 meters – T54 event, a silver medal in the women’s 800 meters – T54 event, and a bronze medal in the women’s 4×100 meter relay – T53-54 event. She also finished sixth in the women’s 100 meters – T54 event.
As McFadden continued to push herself, she discovered a hidden talent for long-distance running. In 2009, she entered the Chicago Marathon on a whim and shocked everyone by winning the race. This unexpected victory marked the beginning of a series of marathon victories for her. She went on to win marathons in New York City in 2010, Chicago in 2011, London in 2011, and Boston and New York again in 2015.
Throughout her career, McFadden has been supported by her coach, Adam Bleakney, who is himself a veteran wheelchair racer. Under his guidance, she has continued to excel in her sports, breaking records and inspiring others with her incredible determination and strength.
Off the track, McFadden pursued her education at the University of Illinois, where she studied Human Development and Family Studies. She was a member of the Theta chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma and played wheelchair basketball for the university’s team.
McFadden’s inspiring story has reached far beyond the world of sports. She has become an influential figure not only for her athletic achievements but also for her advocacy work. As a person with a disability, she has used her platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by disabled individuals and to promote inclusivity and equality.
Awards:
– Twenty Paralympic medals in multiple Summer Paralympic Games.