Marcia Bevard-Kulick
1998
At just 23 years old, Marcia Bevard-Kulick faced a life-altering challenge when a motorcycle accident left her without the use of her legs. Instead of allowing the injury to define her, Marcia saw it as an opportunity to thrive — embarking on a journey that would make her one of the most accomplished and inspiring athletes of her generation.
Marcia enrolled at the University of Minnesota–Duluth (UMD), where she made history as the first person with a disability to compete on an intercollegiate swim team. She graduated in 1984 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Physical Education, followed by a Master of Education in 1988.
In recognition of her trailblazing spirit, UMD established the Marcia Bevard-Kulick Scholarship in 1985, awarded annually to students with disabilities. Marcia was also the first disabled woman athlete to serve on the Advisory Board of the Women’s Sports Foundation, the first disabled athlete to be named a Healthy American Fitness Leader, and the first paraplegic certified by the American Red Cross as a Lifeguard — achievements that underscored her commitment to inclusion and excellence.
Marcia’s wheelchair athletics career spanned more than three decades, during which she became one of the most versatile and decorated athletes in the world. She earned national and international acclaim in track, field, road racing, tennis, basketball, downhill skiing, and swimming. Her record of achievements is extraordinary:
1982 Pan American Wheelchair Games (Halifax, Nova Scotia): 9 Gold Medals
1984 Paralympic Games (Stoke Mandeville, England): 6 Gold Medals, 5 World and Olympic Records
At one time, Marcia simultaneously held national and international records in downhill skiing, tennis, basketball, and marathon racing — an unprecedented feat that demonstrated both her athletic range and competitive drive.
A pioneering figure in women’s wheelchair racing, Marcia was among the first women wheelchair athletes to cross the finish line at the Boston Marathon, and she went on to complete twelve other marathons in the United States, Japan, and Hawaii.
Her lifelong contributions were formally recognized in 1998, when she was inducted into the Wheelchair Sports USA Hall of Fame.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Marcia dedicated her career to helping others. She served for many years as the Aquatic Director at the Minneapolis Courage Center, where she shared her expertise and passion for adaptive sports with countless athletes and students.
Marcia Bevard-Kulick’s life exemplified courage, resilience, and service. Her trailblazing achievements broke barriers for women and athletes with disabilities worldwide, and her legacy continues to inspire all who strive to push what’s possible.