Karen Donaldson
1982
Karen Donaldson was one of the most versatile and prolific swimmers of her era. Over a distinguished career spanning from 1968 to 1980, she earned numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals in international competitions.
At the 1968 Paralympic Games in Tel Aviv, Israel, Karen captured three silver medals and one bronze medal. She continued her success at the 1972 Paralympic Games in Heidelberg, Germany, where she earned one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.
Karen dominated the 1974 Pan American Games in Mexico City, winning five gold medals, one silver medal, and setting a Pan American record in the backstroke. Two years later, at the 1976 Paralympic Games in Toronto, Canada, she added two bronze medals to her impressive collection.
Karen concluded her international career in extraordinary fashion at the 1980 Paralympic Games in the Netherlands, where she won five gold medals, one silver medal, and set both World and Paralympic records in freestyle and backstroke. She also anchored the record-setting teams in the 3×25 medley relay and the 4×60 medley wheelchair race.
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Karen was deeply committed to advancing adaptive sports. She served as President of the Michigan Wheelchair Athletic Committee and was a founding member of the Motor City Wheelers Wheelchair Athletic Association.
Karen dedicated much of her life to ensuring that others could experience the joy, confidence, and empowerment that come from participation in wheelchair sports.