Tyler Kaus
1988
Tyler Kaus was born in Oklahoma City, where his athletic promise emerged early. At just five years old, he set school records in the 100-yard dash and high jump for his age group. However, later that same year, his athletic dreams were abruptly halted when he was stricken with polio. After seven years of hospitalizations and recovery, Tyler returned to school in the eighth grade and went on to graduate from Rye High School in New York.
He continued his education at Duke University before beginning a professional career in advertising on Madison Avenue. It was while working on the AMF Bowling account that Tyler first learned about wheelchair sports — a discovery that would change the course of his life.
Ty went on to compete in twenty-one consecutive National Wheelchair Games from 1967 to 1987, amassing an extraordinary total of more than 300 medals and trophies across a wide range of sports, including bowling, air rifle, tennis, table tennis, swimming, road racing, javelin, discus, and shot put.
He was a thirteen-time Class II/III National Wheelchair Table Tennis Singles Champion and a five-time doubles champion, while also setting five national swimming records. Tyler represented Team USA on six international sports teams (1972, 1973, 1976, 1980, 1982, and 1986), earning three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals in World and Pan American competitions.
At the 1972 Paralympic Games in Heidelberg, Germany, Ty broke the world record in the breaststroke, a testament to his exceptional ability and determination. Even in his later years, he remained a fierce competitor, earning four “Outstanding Master” awards for athletes over forty and winning gold medals in the New York State Masters Bowling and table tennis competitions against able-bodied athletes. In 1987, at the age of 60, Tyler was a finalist in the Eastern Grand Prix Singles and Doubles Wheelchair Tennis Tournament.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Tyler was deeply committed to advancing the sport he loved. He served as a member of the Tri-State Wheelchair Athletic Association, the National Wheelchair Officials Committee, the Selection Committee for International Competition, and the Executive Committee of the NWAA Table Tennis Sports Section. He also contributed his expertise on the Rules Committee and the National Games Events and Formats Committees of the American Wheelchair Table Tennis Association.
Throughout his life, Tyler “Ty” Kaus exemplified the spirit of perseverance and leadership. His remarkable athletic career and tireless service made him a champion both on and off the field, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of wheelchair sports.