Susan Hagel’s Paralympic journey spans more than two decades and three sports, marking her as one of the most versatile and enduring athletes in the history of adaptive sport. A six-time Paralympian, Hagel competed in wheelchair basketball, Para archery, and Para track and field between 1976 and 1996, earning four gold and two bronze medals across her career.
Growing up in a small town in Wisconsin, Hagel discovered wheelchair basketball in college and quickly found purpose and empowerment through sport. By the time she made her Paralympic debut in Toronto in 1976, she had already established herself as a fierce competitor on the hardwood. She went on to represent Team USA at five more Paralympic Games, including stints in archery and track and field, showcasing an unparalleled athletic range that was rare even among elite adaptive athletes.
Hagel’s legacy in wheelchair basketball is particularly storied. She played on 14 U.S. national teams and earned selection to the All-Tournament Team an astounding 16 times over the course of her career. Her excellence on the court earned her the prestigious International Wheelchair Basketball Federation Triad Award in 1998, one of the highest honors in the sport.
Beyond medals and accolades, Hagel has remained a passionate advocate for the growth of adaptive sport, particularly for women and junior athletes. She served on the National Wheelchair Basketball Association’s Hall of Fame committee, helping to ensure that the history of the sport—and the athletes who helped shape it—is preserved and celebrated. Her impact as a mentor and role model has inspired generations of athletes with disabilities to pursue excellence, both in sport and in life.
Notably, Hagel holds the distinction of the longest playing career of any woman in her division, a testament to her extraordinary commitment and resilience.
In 2025, Susan Hagel was inducted into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, honored not only for her medal count or longevity, but for a career spent opening doors, breaking boundaries, and building a more inclusive future for adaptive athletes across the country.
