Ayden
Jent

Paralympian 2016

Athlete Bio#

5'4"

Indianapolis, Ind. , IN

Herron High School (Indianapolis, Indiana) '11 Indiana State University '15, Political Science

classification: T35

Son of Chris Jent and Sena Jessen
Has an older brother, Ryan
Nicknamed Ayden “the Jet” Jent after winning a national title in the 100m at his first competition in 2015
Born three months prematurely and diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy
Served as the team manager for the Indiana State University track and field and cross country teams for four years, helping the teams to win 11 conference championships
Served as a reporter and photographer for the ISU newspaper, the Indiana Statesman
Graduated with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Civic Leadership
His step-father, Jacques Jessen, helped him to discover his passion for running in 2007
Discovered Paralympics after watching a video of an athlete with the same impairment, inspiring him to contact the U.S. Paralympics Track and Field high performance director
Dreams of becoming a political campaign manager at the local level and working his way up to running for office
Sport idols include NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr, NFL player Adam Vinatieri, MLB player Jackie Robinson and U.S. Olympic sprinter Jesse Owens
Hobbies include running reading, photography, kayaking, dancing and watching movies.