Jack Benedick
Competition | 1996
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
In 1969, Jack Benedick lost both legs in the Vietnam War. He did his rehabilitation at the Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Denver and was introduced to skiing at Arapahoe Basin as part of his therapy. Completing his rehab, Jack returned to duty in Vietnam, serving as a Major and the only double amputee on active military duty.
Upon returning to civilian life, Jack committed to his new passion for adaptive skiing and competition. First named to the emergent
U.S. Adaptive Ski Team in 1979, Jack went on to compete in the Winter Paralympic Games in 1980 in Geile, Norway and going on to win a silver medal in1984 in Innsbruck, Austria.
Following his competitive career, Jack Benedick dedicated himself to promoting and advocating for the sport he loved. He became the President of the National Handicapped Sports Association (later Disabled Sports USA). He partnered with the U.S. Ski Association to establish the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team competing under the umbrella of the U.S. Ski Team.
In later life, Jack made his mission international by advocating for the acceptance of adaptive skiing by the International Ski Federation. He also broadened his role with governance by serving on the International Paralympic Committee. In 2006, the IPC recognized Jack with the presentation of the Paralympic Order.
