Four-time Paralympian Cheri Madsen has remained dominant in track and field for decades, winning 10 medals since 1996.
Madsen became paralyzed due to an unknown viral infection when she was 3 years old. By the age of 18, she discovered a passion for wheelchair racing – and took to it quickly. Within two years, Madsen was racing at both the Atlanta 1996 Olympic and Paralympic Games. She took home an Olympic bronze medal in the 800m exhibition race, and she won two Paralympic silver medals (t100- and 200 meter) and two Paralympic bronze medals (400- and 800 meter).
These early victories were the beginning of a three-decade long Paralympic career to follow. During this period, Madsen would find the podium time and time again. She won three more medals at Sydney 2000 – including two gold medals in the 100- and 400 meter – and won silver in the 400 meter in 2016. At 44 years old, she competed in Tokyo, winning silver in the 400-meter and bronze in the 100-meter.
Madsen married in 2001 and has two children. In her free time, she enjoys scrapbooking, reading and supporting her daughters in their athletic endeavors as well.
