Greg
DeWall

Paralympian 2008

Athlete Bio#

Age

Hometown

Chico

Education

Dewall first stepped onto the judo mat in December, 2005.  After competing in Greco-Roman wrestling in high school and college, Dewall was looking for an indoor physical activity to participate in during the winter months to supplement his favorite summer recreation activity of wakeboarding. It didn’t take long for judo to become a year-round commitment.   Dewall first stepped onto the judo mat in December, 2005.  After competing in Greco-Roman wrestling in high school and college, Dewall was looking for an indoor physical activity to participate in during the winter months to supplement his favorite summer recreation activity of wakeboarding. It didn’t take long for judo to become a year-round commitment.  

Weight Division: 90kg

Birthplace: Chico, Calif.
Colorado Springs, Colo.

Club: USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center
Education: Bachelor's degree in recreation administration from California State University - Chico
Hobbies: Water sports, wood working and fishing.

Paralympic Teams: 2008 (Bronze)
Blind World Championship Teams: 2010, 2007 (Fifth)
Parapan American Teams: 2007 Silver

Quick Facts

: Dewall first stepped onto the judo mat in December, 2005. After competing in Greco-Roman wrestling in high school and college, Dewall was looking for an indoor physical activity to participate in during the winter months to supplement his favorite summer recreation activity of wakeboarding. It didn’t take long for judo to become a year-round commitment. In February, 2007, after finishing 4-0 at a tournament against sighted athletes in San Jose, Calif., he was offered an opportunity to be a part of the 2007 U.S. World and Parapan American Teams.

With less than three years experience in the sport, the totally blind athlete qualified for his first Paralympic Team in 2008 where he won the bronze medal in the +100kg division. In 2009, Dewall moved down to 90kg where he won silver medals at the USA Judo Visually Impaired National Championships and the U.S. Open for the Visually Impaired. In March, Dewall will compete on his second World Championship team. Dewall’s success can be credited to his positive attitude. He says: “I always keep trying to move forward, improve and progress.”