David Wagner

 
Sport: Wheelchair Tennis
Physical Challenge: Paraplegia

David Wagner grew up playing basketball and tennis in Washington. He became a quadriplegic at the age of 21 when he attempted to jump a wave while playing Frisbee on the beach. The wave caught his feet and spun him, forcing him head-first into the sand.

Although walking was out of the question, Wagner picked up a table tennis paddle in rehab which eventually reignited his love for tennis. By 28, David was the number one ranked USA tennis player; he would go on to four consecutive Paralympic showings, bringing home 8 total medals – 3 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze.

Wagner left the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio ranked  #2 in the world in Quad singles and #1 in Quad doubles and is now headed to Toyko for his 5th Paralympic Games. Besides his extensive training schedule, Wagner also runs wheelchair tennis clinics and teaches classes for children and does his best to promote wheelchair tennis worldwide.

In The Media

Paralympian David Wagner wants to change lives through wheelchair tennis | LA Times Today
The Ride: Reflections from David Wagner | USTA