Miki Matheson

Miki Matheson is a Japanese wheelchair racer, born on May 5, 1975, in Tokyo, Japan. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest wheelchair racers of all time. Matheson began her professional career with local competitions before moving to international events where she won multiple titles, including three Paralympic gold medals.

Matheson is known for her incredible speed, strength, and versatility. She has won numerous individual awards, and holds multiple records, such as the most gold medals in Paralympic Wheelchair Racing history.

Off the field, Matheson is also recognized for her advocacy and influence, making significant contributions to the rights of disabled individuals and inspiring millions worldwide.

Local Competitions

• Youth and Early Career: Matheson was born and raised in Tokyo and began wheelchair racing as a child. She made her first competitive appearance in local competitions.

International Competitions

• Early Success: Matheson began competing internationally in the late 1990s. She quickly established herself as a top competitor, winning multiple gold medals in various international events.

Paralympics

• Record-breaking Career: Matheson made her Paralympic debut in 1996, where she won three gold medals. Over the years, she continued to dominate, setting multiple world records and solidifying her status as one of the greatest wheelchair racers of all time.

Japan National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for Japan in 1996 at the Atlanta Paralympics.

Achievements:

• Paralympic Games: Gold medalist in 1996, 2000, and 2004.
• Matheson is Japan's most decorated Paralympic wheelchair racer.

• Position: Primarily a wheelchair racer, but also excels in other areas of Paralympic athletics.
• Skills: Known for her incredible speed, strength, and determination. Matheson is celebrated for her versatility, impressive stamina, and competitive spirit.

• Family: Matheson has two children. She is married to Brent Lakatos, a Canadian Paralympic athlete.
• Advocacy: Matheson is actively involved in advocacy for the rights of disabled individuals and has contributed significantly to the promotion of accessibility and inclusivity.

• Miki Matheson is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her advocacy work, determination, and longevity in Paralympic sports. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the racing track, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Gold Medals in Paralympic Wheelchair Racing:

• Three gold medals

Most Decorated Japanese Paralympian:

• Multiple gold medals in international competitions

Books

• N/A

Websites

• Paralympic: Information about Miki Matheson's international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org
• JPC: Details about Matheson's career at Japan Paralympic Committee. Available at: https://www.jpc.or.jp

Articles

• BBC Sport: Miki Matheson: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/disability-sport/48839800
• The Guardian: Miki Matheson's career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/miki-matheson

Interviews and Documentaries

• N/A