Laura Schwanger

Last updated
Laura Schwanger
Personal information
BornNovember 1958 (age 6566)
Philadelphia, United States
Alma mater Rowan College
Immaculata College
Sport
CountryFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States
Sport Paralympic athletics
Adaptive rowing
Disability Multiple sclerosis
Disability class F53
Event(s) Pentathlon
Javelin throw
Discus throw
Shot put

Laura Gene Schwanger (born 1958 [1] ) is a retired American Paralympic athlete and adaptive rower. She has competed at three Paralympic Games in track and field and returned twelve years later to compete in rowing at the 2008 Summer Paralympics. She is a four time Paralympic champion including six silver medals and one bronze medal in athletics and won a bronze medal in rowing. [2] [3]

After graduating from Washington Township High School, New Jersey in 1977, Schwanger joined the United States Army and became a meteorological observer. [4] She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1981 while on active duty.

She took up athletics soon after then retired after the 1996 Summer Paralympics, she took up rowing in later 2006 after receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. [5] [6]

She studied physical education at Glassboro State College, which became Rowan College during her time there. She earned a master's degree in counseling and psychology at Immaculata College.

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References

  1. Gormley, Chuck. "Area Paralympian surges to bronze", Courier-Post , September 12, 2008. Accessed November 17, 2022, via Newspapers.com. "Schwanger, who grew up in Williamstown and graduated from Washington Township High School in 1977, will turn 50 in November."
  2. "Laura Schwanger - IPC Profile". International Paralympic Committee. 14 February 2021.
  3. "Laura Schwanger - Team USA". Team USA. 14 February 2021.
  4. Culligan, Joey. "Laura Schwanger an able athlete: After taking four golds at the Paralympics, she has set her sights on kayak race", Courier Post, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, volume 113, number 289, November 13, 1988, page 18D. (subscription required)
  5. "Survivor: Laura Schwanger". komen.org. 14 February 2021.
  6. "Hero Stories: Laura Schwanger". Paralyzed Veterans of America. 14 February 2021.