Jay Brown
1989
Jay Brown was a dominant force in wheelchair archery from 1971 to 1992, representing the United States on 20 international teams and earning his place among the sport’s most accomplished athletes. Over the course of his career, he competed in five Paralympic Games and was a key member of twelve U.S. National Championship teams.
At the 1972 Paralympic Games in Heidelberg, Germany, Jay won a silver medal in archery. He repeated that success with another silver medal at the 1976 Paralympic Games in Toronto, Canada, and followed with a bronze medal at the 1980 Paralympic Games in Arnhem, Netherlands.
Jay’s record extended beyond the Paralympic stage. He participated in every Pan American Games during his career, setting a Pan American record for archery in 1982 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. At the 1984 World Games in Stoke Mandeville, England, Jay won the prestigious F.I.T.A. Cup for archery, further cementing his reputation as one of the world’s elite competitors. Remarkably, he also achieved success in able-bodied competition, earning the title of California State Able-Bodied Senior Champion in his age group.
Following his retirement from active competition, Jay continued to dedicate himself to the sport he loved. He served as President of the Far West Wheelchair Athletic Association, which hosted the 1977 National Wheelchair Games in San Jose, California. Jay also became a respected coach and official, mentoring junior archers and officiating at numerous Far West, Junior National, and Desert Challenge competitions.
Through his outstanding career and tireless service, Jay Brown embodied the spirit of excellence, leadership, and lifelong commitment to wheelchair sports. His achievements both on the range and beyond it have left an enduring mark on the sport of archery and the athletes who followed in his path.