Craig Blanchette
2015
Craig “Blanch” Blanchette was one of the most dynamic, influential, and recognizable figures in the history of wheelchair racing. With his streamlined helmet, aerodynamic speed suits, pink hair, earrings, and trademark swagger, Craig redefined what it meant to be an adaptive athlete in the 1980s and 1990s. His confidence, charisma, and competitive spirit made him a media sensation — and, more importantly, a trailblazer who helped propel adaptive sports from a niche rehabilitation activity into a mainstream, internationally respected competitive movement.
Born in Torrance, California, Craig was diagnosed with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD), a rare congenital condition that affected the development of his legs. From an early age, he had to fight for independence — whether it was reaching a light switch or competing in elite sports. That determination would define his life.
As an athlete, Craig achieved extraordinary success. He set 21 world records, became a nine-time world champion, and competed in over 100 road races during his career. Among his many highlights was representing Team USA at the 1988 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where wheelchair racing was featured as a demonstration sport. His fierce rivalries with fellow racers like Jim Knaub, Doug Kennedy, Kenny Carnes, and Scot Hollonbeck brought unprecedented visibility to wheelchair racing — inspiring a generation of young athletes with disabilities who finally saw their heroes on television.
One of Craig’s protégés, Matt Parry, summarized his legacy perfectly:
“Craig was, quite simply, a trailblazing pioneer in everything that he did, helping to take adaptive sports from a rehabilitation-based activity to an international marketing phenomenon. Those rivalries, however flamboyant, were good for the sport, good for the Paralympic Movement, and good for my generation of disabled kids. My friends and I used to wait eagerly for ESPN to broadcast Craig’s epic road racing duels… It’s impossible to overstate the self-esteem boost we got when we saw our heroes competing on ESPN.”
Indeed, Craig’s flair for performance and connection with the media helped elevate wheelchair racing to new heights. His partnership with Nike made him one of the first adaptive athletes to be prominently featured in major advertising campaigns, including the iconic “Just Do It” series. His image became synonymous with athletic excellence, individuality, and the breaking of barriers — both physical and cultural.
After retiring from racing, Craig faced and overcame personal struggles, including issues with weight and destructive habits. Rather than hide from those challenges, he transformed them into his next calling — helping others achieve optimal health and emotional well-being. Drawing on his experiences as both an athlete and a survivor, he became a motivational coach and health mentor, teaching people how to build structure, practice self-control, and turn adversity into opportunity.
Craig Blanchette’s life embodies the essence of resilience and reinvention. From a kid born with PFFD to a world champion, Olympian, Nike athlete, and health coach, he not only pushed what was possible in sport — he redefined what was possible in life.