Jean Driscoll
2002
Jean Driscoll began competing in wheelchair track and field and road racing in 1986 as a youngster from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her competitive journey found Jean, like many wheelchair athletes of the day, continuing her education and competitive career at the University of Illinois as another of the infamous Gizz Kids.
With her rigorous training, exemplary coaching and a fresh determination, Jean won Paralympic Gold Medals in the 1988 Seoul Paralympics; the Paralympic Games in Barcelona in 1992; the 1996 Atlanta Games and the 2000 Paralympic Competition in Sydney, Australia. Jean won two Olympic Silver Medals in the 800 Meter events, missing the Gold by 26 hundredths of a second.
When Jean crossed the finish line to secure an unprecedented eighth victory in the Boston Marathon in April 2000, she set a record that many believe may never be broken by man or woman running or wheeling. In 1998 and 1999, she lost both races by less than one second—another Boston Marathon record.
When Jean retired from competition, she had reached the pinnacle of her success as the world’s premier racer in marathons, 10K’s and track distance events. She won more than 100 national and international races.
When Sports Illustrated for Women named Jean the twenty-fifth best female athlete of the 20th century, it was a distinction that showed her dedication and commitment to success. Her passion for competing was unrelenting, and she was as gracious in her rare defeats as she was generous in her numerous victories.
During her illustrious career, she could be credited for taking wheelchair racing to a higher level. There was no finer role model for the youth of the world than Jean Driscoll.