Karen Casper-Robeson
1987
Karen Casper-Robeson established herself early on as one of the premier swimmers and racers in wheelchair sports and continued throughout her career to inspire and elevate women’s athletics. Active from 1973 to 1984, Karen’s decade-long dominance was marked by extraordinary versatility and achievement.
She earned an incredible fifty-five gold medals at multiple National Wheelchair Games, and seven gold medals across three Pan American Games — including the 1973 Games in Lima, Peru, the 1975 Games in Mexico City, and the Pan American competition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Karen also captured six gold medals at the Stoke Mandeville Games and added a Paralympic gold medal at the 1976 Toronto Games.
On the track, Karen held national records in the 60-yard dash, 100-yard dash, and as part of the 4×100-yard relay team, while also winning numerous silver and bronze medals in a wide range of events.
Karen’s achievements in swimming were equally exceptional. She held twelve U.S. national records, including:
50-yard and 50-meter backstroke
50-yard and 50-meter breaststroke
50-yard and 50-meter freestyle
50-yard and 50-meter butterfly
400-yard and 350-meter freestyle
200-yard and 200-meter individual medley
Beyond her individual athletic success, Karen made a lasting mark on women’s wheelchair basketball. She was a member of one of the original teams in the National Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWWBA), where she became a driving force in the sport’s growth and recognition. She was named to numerous All-Tournament Teams and held multiple executive positions, including Assistant Commissioner of the Women’s Division.
In recognition of her leadership and athletic excellence, Karen Casper-Robeson was inducted into the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) Hall of Fame in 2002.
A true pioneer and multi-sport champion, Karen’s career exemplified excellence, dedication, and the advancement of women in adaptive sports — a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of athletes.