Paul Johnson
2013
For more than three decades, Paul Johnson stood as one of the most dedicated and influential figures in the growth of adaptive track and field in the United States. His journey began in 1988 in Hawaii, when he started a program so that his daughter, Erin, could have the opportunity to participate in sports. What began as a father’s effort to support his child quickly evolved into a lifelong mission to advance adaptive athletics for countless young athletes.
In 1991, Paul and his family moved to Texas, where his passion for the sport flourished even further. He became a tireless coach, mentoring dozens of athletes and taking them to Junior Nationals year after year. His leadership and technical expertise helped raise the standard of competition and inspired generations of adaptive athletes. Among his greatest coaching achievements was guiding Erin to the Paralympic stage, a testament to both his dedication as a coach and his unwavering belief in what athletes with disabilities could achieve.
But Paul’s impact extended far beyond coaching. He became one of the most respected USATF officials in the country, officiating at Junior Nationals, U.S. Paralympic Trials, and even completing International Technical Official (ITO) training in Beijing. Known for his professionalism and precision, Paul was a fixture at adaptive sports events across the nation. He served on multiple boards and committees, including the Adaptive Sports USA Board of Directors, the Adaptive Track & Field USA Board, the Coaches Education Committee, the Officials Training Committee, and the Event Sanctioning Committee.
Paul was the definition of a volunteer leader—always the first to arrive and the last to leave. He spent countless hours and his own resources traveling to regional meets to lend a hand wherever he was needed. Whether it was setting up online registration systems, weighing implements, lining pits for field events, managing timing systems, or serving as head official or starter, Paul approached every task with meticulous care and Marine-level precision—honed from his 21 years of service in the United States Marine Corps.
Through his work, Paul played a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding Adaptive Sports USA’s mission of inclusion. One of his most enduring contributions was helping to implement the Texas High School Interscholastic Track and Field program, opening doors for youth athletes with disabilities to compete alongside their peers.
Even after his daughter Erin retired from competition, Paul remained a cornerstone of the adaptive sports community. His humility, heart, and relentless commitment made him not just a coach or an official—but a mentor, a leader, and a friend to all who shared his vision.
Paul Johnson will forever be remembered as a staple in the fabric of Adaptive Sports USA, a man whose “heart of gold” helped build a foundation for inclusion, opportunity, and excellence that continues to impact lives across the nation.