Team USA Universal Relay Takes First Paralympic Gold In The Event With World Record Time
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Athlete Bio#
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Age
38
Hometown
Orlando, FL
Classification: T61
Quick Facts
- In September 2006, Puertas was serving with the U.S. Army in Baghdad, Iraq, when his convoy was hit by an explosive device. He was trapped beneath the door of the armored vehicle in which he was traveling
- He was trapped beneath the door of the armored vehicle in which he was traveling
- The blast resulted in both of his legs being amputated
- Took up the sport in 2007 after trying a number of different rehabilitation techniques following his injury
- Competed in Para-swimming and was a torch bearer at the opening ceremony at the 2013 Warrior Games
- Mantra: "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."
- Hero is British Para-sprinter Richard Whitehead.
Paralympic Experience
- 1-time Paralympian;
- Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, 4th (200m T61 - Men)
World Championship Experience
- Most recent: 2019 – (200m T61 - Men)
- Years of participation: 200m T61 - Men 2019; 200m T42 - Men 2013
- Top finish: – 2019 (200m T61 - Men)
Athlete News#
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