Mark Zupan's goal for the 2008 Paralympic Games, like many of his teammates, was to win gold. His other goal was not to simply win, but to dominate the competition in Beijing. Following Team USA's romp through the tournament, Zupan accomplished everything he wanted.

Zupan began playing wheelchair rugby in Atlanta in 1996 and has become a mainstay on the U.S. Paralympics Wheelchair Rugby National Team over the past several years. He found rugby while in rehab. An avid contact sport enthusiast, he says Wheelchair Rugby was the best fit for him after his injury. He was prominently featured in the Academy Award nominated documentary "Murderball," and has become one of the team's most recognized faces.

In addition to his position at C. Faulkner Engineering, Zupan tours the country as a motivational speaker. His autobiography, "Gimp," was released in October 2006.

Major Achievements:

2008: Gold medal, U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Team - Paralympic Games, Beijing, China
2008: First place - Canada Cup, Burnaby, British Columbia
2008: Second place - North American Cup, Birmingham, Alabama
2008: U.S. Quad Rugby Association National Championship - Texas Stampede
2007: Nominated to 2008 U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Team
2006: Gold medal - World Wheelchair Rugby Championships, Christchurch, New Zealand
2006: First place - Canada Cup, Vancouver, British Columbia
2006: First place - North American Cup, Birmingham, Ala.
2005: USQRA Division I National Championship, Texas Stampede
2004: Bronze medal - Paralympic Games, Athens, Greece
2004: USQRA Wheelchair Rugby Athlete of the Year
2004: USQRA Division I National Championship, Texas Stampede
2003: Bronze medal - World Wheelchair Games, Christchurch, New Zealand
2002: Silver medal - IWRF World Championships, Gothenburg, Sweden
1999: Gold medal - World Wheelchair Games, Christchurch, New Zealand

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