Kurt Fearnley

Kurt Fearnley is an Australian wheelchair racer, born on March 23, 1981, in Cowra, New South Wales. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest paralympic athletes of all time. Fearnley began his professional career in wheelchair racing in 1997 and has won multiple titles, including three Paralympic gold medals.

Fearnley is known for his incredible speed, strength, and determination. He has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records in wheelchair racing. Fearnley is also recognized for his advocacy work, particularly in the field of disability rights, inspiring millions worldwide.

Wheelchair Racing

• Early Career: Fearnley was born and raised in Cowra, New South Wales, and began wheelchair racing in 1997. He won his first Paralympic medal, a silver, at the 2000 Sydney Games.

Athens Paralympics

• First Gold: Fearnley won gold medals in the 5000m and the marathon events at the 2004 Athens Paralympics.

Beijing Paralympics

• Continued Success: At the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, Fearnley won another gold medal in the marathon event and two silver medals in the 800m and 1500m events.

London Paralympics

• Further Achievements: At the 2012 London Paralympics, Fearnley won a silver medal in the marathon event.

Rio Paralympics

• Final Paralympics: At his final Paralympic Games in Rio 2016, Fearnley won a silver medal in the marathon event and a bronze in the 5000m event.

Australian National Team

• Debut: Fearnley made his debut for Australia in 1997.
• Paralympic Medals: Fearnley won a total of 13 Paralympic medals, including three gold medals.

• Position: Fearnley competes in various long-distance wheelchair racing events, from 800m to marathon distances.
• Skills: Known for his incredible speed, strength, and endurance. Fearnley is celebrated for his tenacity, determination, and positive attitude.

• Family: Fearnley is married to Sheridan Fearnley and they have two children.
• Advocacy: Fearnley is a committed advocate for disability rights and has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

• Kurt Fearnley is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his tireless advocacy for disability rights. His impact on the sport and status as an icon extend beyond the racing track, inspiring millions of people around the world.

Paralympic Medals:

• 3 gold medals, 7 silver medals, 3 bronze medals

World Championships:

• 11 gold medals, 2 silver medals, 2 bronze medals

Marathon Wins:

• 11 wins in major marathons including New York, London, and Chicago

Australian Honours:

• Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), 2019

Books

• Fearnley, K. (2018) Pushing the Limits: Life, Marathons & Kokoda. Sydney: Penguin.

Websites

• Paralympics Australia: Information about Kurt Fearnley’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org.au
• Australian Institute of Sport: Details about Fearnley’s career. Available at: https://www.ais.gov.au

Articles

• ABC News: Kurt Fearnley's career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/kurt-fearnley

Interviews and Documentaries

• Kurt Fearnley's One Plus One: Series of interviews hosted by Fearnley, exploring the lives and stories of various guests. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au