Ron Hawthorne

Paralympian 2012

Athlete Bio

Height

5’5”

Age

Hometown

Colorado Springs, CO

Education

F. L. Schlagle High School

Classification: Optic Nerve Atrophy (B3)

Ron Hawthorne

Paralympic Experience

1-time Paralympian

Paralympic Games London 2012, 7th (60kg - Men)

Quick Facts

Ron lives and trains as a full-time athlete in Chicago. He has had an interest in grappling since grade school and wrestled Free Style for F. L. Schlagle High School from his freshmen through senior years. During this period, he was a 3-time state qualifier.

Ron first represented the United States at the 2006 IBSA World Student & Youth Games were he won a bronze medal in judo. He went on to win multiple gold medals in various domestic and international events. Ron competed in the 2012 London Paralympic Games where he placed 7th overall. To prepare for international events, Ron trains daily and competes in national able-bodied tournaments.

He also enjoys motivational speaking and listening to music.

Major Judo Awards:

2019: German Open for the Blind & Visually Impaired - Gold
2018: USA Judo National Championships for Blind and Visually Impaired - Gold
2018: German Open for the Blind & Visually Impaired - Bronze
2017: All Japan Championships for the Blind & Visually Impaired - Bronze
2017: IBSA Pan American Championships - Gold
2017: IBSA Grand Prix, Astana - Silver
2013: Brazil International Judo Championships, San Paulo, Brazil - Bronze
2012: Paralympic Games, London, United Kingdom - 7th Place
2012: Pajulahti Games, Nastola, Finland - Gold
2011 Bronze medalist, Para Pan American Games, Guadalajara, Mexico
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013: USA National Judo Championships for the Blind & Visually Impaired - Gold