Amanda McGrory
Encyclopedia
Biography
At the age of five, Amanda contracted a rare virus (Transverse MyelitisTransverse myelitis
Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder caused by an inflammatory process of the spinal cord, and can cause axonal demyelination. The name is derived from Greek referring to the "spinal cord", and the suffix -itis, which denotes inflammation...
) which left her unable to walk. Her parents say she became depressed but that all changed after Amanda’s parents introduced her to the Variety Club Camp and Developmental Center. There, Amanda met other children with various disabilities. She also credits Variety - The Children’s Charity with inspiring her to get involved in wheelchair sports at an early age.
Amanda started out playing basketball, and then moved on to track and field. Amanda continues to compete in both sports at the University of Illinois, she says track and field is definitely her favourite.
At the University of Illinois, McGrory is coached by U.S. Paralympics National Team member Adam Bleakney, to whom she credits her improvement in strength and speed over the past year.
Amanda McGrory earned four medals during the 2008 Summer Paralympics
2008 Summer Paralympics
The 2008 Summer Paralympic Games, the thirteenth Paralympics, took place in Beijing, China from September 6 to September 17, 2008. As with the 2008 Summer Olympics, equestrian events were held in Hong Kong and sailing events in Qingdao....
in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
: gold in the 5000 meters, silver in the marathon, and bronze in both the 800 meters and the 4×100 meter relay. She won both the 2009 London
London Marathon
The London Marathon is one of the biggest running events in the world, and one of the five top world marathons that make up the World Marathon Majors competition, which has a $1 million prize purse. It has been held each spring in London since 1981. The race is currently sponsored by Virgin Money,...
and 2006 New York Marathon wheelchair races. McGrory also competes in wheelchair basketball. McGrory has recently graduated from the University of Illinois and is continuing her organized education at the local community college.
Major Achievements
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- 2011: First Place- New York City Marathon
- 2011: First Place- London Marathon
- 2009: First Place- London Marathon
- 2009: First place- Grandma's Marathon
- 2008: Gold medal, 5000m T54; silver medal, Marathon T54; bronze medal, 800m T53; bronze medal, Women's 4 x 100m relay T53/T54 - Paralympic Games, Beijing, China
- 2007: First place (5000m), second place (400m), third place (800m) - Meet in the Heat, Atlanta, Ga.
- 2007: Third place, 1500m - Boiling Point Wheelchair Track Classic, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
- 2007: Third place, 800m - U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Championships, Atlanta, Ga.
- 2006: Gold medal (800m), silver medal (400m) - IPC Athletics World Championships, Assen, The Netherlands
- 2006: First place - ING New York City Marathon, New York, N.Y.
- 2006: Visa Paralympic World Cup, Manchester, United Kingdom
- 2005: Represented the USA at the Jr. Pan-Am Games in Windsor, OntarioWindsor, OntarioWindsor is the southernmost city in Canada and is located in Southwestern Ontario at the western end of the heavily populated Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. It is within Essex County, Ontario, although administratively separated from the county government. Separated by the Detroit River, Windsor...
- 2003, 2004: Traveled to Australia as a member of the USA Jr. Team