Cassie Mitchell

Growing up on a small farm in Oklahoma, Mitchell was an accomplished rider in Western horse events at a young age while also competing in gymnastics, dancing and running...She was the valedictorian of her high school and earned a collegiate track scholarship...Shortly after graduation, Mitchell developed a neurological condition called Devics Neuromyelitis Optica, which left her completely paralyzed from the chest down, with significant impairments to her arms, wrists, and hands, and with permanent double vision...Mitchell chose to attend Oklahoma State University on a full academic scholarship where she played wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby...Mitchell set her sights on London 2012 first in Paralympic cycling, but qualified for the U.S. team in her first love, track & field where she finished fourth in her first Games...Research engineer and faculty at Georgia Tech’s biomedical engineering department and a National Institute of Health primary investigator currently pursuing research in neurological injuries and diseases...Daughter of Randy and Clara Mitchell...Enjoys mentoring, volunteering, attending church, cycling, running, swimming, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family...Has over 75 research publications with her research having been honored with the International Motoneuron Society Young Investigator Award...Mentors new neurological injury or neurological disease patients in the Atlanta, Georgia area, including the Shepherd Center Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Hospital...Has a sign in her office with the message “Never, never, never give up,” that serves as a reminder to her commitment to overcome challenges and find beauty from pain.

• Three-time Paralympian (2012, 2016, 2020); Three-time Paralympic medalist (2 silvers, 1 bronze)
• Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, silver (club throw), 4th (Discus Throw)
• Paralympic Games Rio 2016, Track and Field - silver (discus throw), bronze (club throw)
• Paralympic Games London 2012, 4th (100-meter, 200-meter, discus throw)

• Most recent: 2023 – silver (discus throw, club throw)
• Years of Participation: Track & Field – 2013, 2017, 2023; Cycling – 2011, 2013
• Medals: 10 (4 golds, 4 silvers, 2 bronzes)
• Gold – 2017 (discus throw); 2013 (shot put); 2011 (time trial, road race)
• Silver – 2023 (discus throw, club throw); 2017 (club throw); 2013 (100-meter)
• Bronze – 2013 (200-meter, 800-meter)

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