Sofia Gonzalez

Last updated

Sofia Gonzalez
Personal information
Born (2001-03-27) 27 March 2001 (age 23)
London, England
Home town Jongny, Switzerland
Alma mater City University of London
Sport
CountryFlag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg  Switzerland
Sport Paralympic athletics
Disability class T63
Event(s) 100 metres
Long jump
Medal record
Paralympic athletics
Representing Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg  Switzerland
European Championships
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2021 Bydgoszcz 100m T63

Sofia Gonzalez (born 27 March 2001) is a Swiss Paralympic athlete of Spanish and Mexican descent who competes in sprinting and long jump in international track and field competitions. She is a European bronze medalist in 100m. She competed at the 2020 Summer Paralympics but did not medal. [1] [2]

Gonzalez was born with a congenital deformity in her right leg and had her leg amputated below the knee when she was three years old. While growing up in Zürich, she was a very active person and did horse riding, tennis and skiing and then became a professional athlete in 2016 when she took part in a sporting event for people with prosthetics and trained with Heinrich Popow whom she admired as an influential person. [3] [4] [5]

Gonzalez is studying for a bachelor's degree in sociology at City, University of London, she is also a motivational speaker in Switzerland and can fluently speak four languages. [6]

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References

  1. "Sofia Gonzalez - Swiss Paralympic Committee (in German)". Swiss Paralympic Committee. 16 April 2023.
  2. "Sofia Gonzalez - IPC Profile". International Paralympic Committee. 16 April 2023.
  3. "Sofia Gonzalez - Overcoming Barriers". Like the Wind Magazine. 11 August 2021.
  4. "Sofia Gonzalez - For a Richer Life". For a Richer Life. 16 April 2023.
  5. "Switzerland's hopes for the Paralympics". House of Switzerland. 18 August 2021.
  6. "Meet Sofia Gonzalez: second-year student, Paralympian and motivational speaker". City University of London. 25 January 2023.