“Most people fail not because they set too high goals and don’t achieve them, but because they set goals too low and achieve those.” – Ezra Frech has always had an unbreakable connection with sport. While he had dipped his toes into several avenues, he eventually decided to pursue track and field after being inspired by the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. The para-athlete had his sights set on the coveted Olympic gold during his debut at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. 

But much to his dismay, he couldn’t make the podium. Even though he returned home empty-handed, the 19-year-old shifted his focus to the 2024 Paris Paralympics. All he wanted to do was improve upon his performance and work towards eventually winning 3 gold medals at the 2028 Los Angeles games. That’s exactly what he did. In the men’s 100m T63 finals, the star-spangled para-athlete shined bright on the purple Stade de France tracks.

However, that high eventually came crashing down when history repeated itself. At the 2020 Tokyo Games, his stellar jump of 5.85 m put him in the 8th position. However, he found a silver lining amidst the dark clouds. The para-athlete made sure he left his fans with one message for his fans. “I try to use my platform to be an example for people with disabilities. I want to not only normalize disability but show what is possible with disabilities.” We know Frech practices what he preaches. 

Undeterred, Ezra Frech has taken this loss in his stride. “I want them all to know that sport is possible for them.” This emotion came through after he participated in the 2013 Endeavour Games in Oklahoma. He participated in the 60m, 100m, 200m, 400m, shot put, discus, javelin, long jump and high jump events. A sports enthusiast since he was 8, the Paralympian’s family enlisted him in the event and traveled from Los Angeles.

Watching him dazzle the crowds during his first track and field meet, his father was inspired to create a similar event in their hometown. That’s how Angel City Games came to fruition. He backs his message up with the organization. They focus on providing free events and training for children and adults with disabilities. Even though the first game was in 2015, it has now grown into something bigger. They now serve about 1,000 athletes annually and have 200 clinics across 25 sports. How incredible is that?

What Ezra Frech’s road to Paris looked like

The 19-year-old’s Tokyo experience blew the wind out of him. But it also helped him grow. “Missing the podium in Tokyo is definitely one of the more difficult moments of my life. I thought to myself, I’m going to use this moment as fuel to drive me to become the greatest Paralympian of all time.” We saw a glimpse of that at the U.S. Olympic Trials. The 2023 Paris World Championships gold medalist already held the T63 high jump world record before heading into the trials – 1.95m.

However, the para-athlete wanted to raise the bar. After clearing 1.82m, 1.85m, and 1.91m, he wasn’t done yet. Frech wanted to attempt 1.97m, which he flawlessly cleared! But this wasn’t it! The 19-year-old had also finished second in the 100m sprint and broke the American record by claiming another effortless win in the T63 long jump. Even though he previously stated that the 2028 Los Angeles games would be “the pinnacle of my life,” Paris proved to be just as exceptional.

The para-athlete wasn’t the quickest off the block. Frech was trailing behind everyone in the beginning. But the American wasn’t going to give up this easily. He quickly caught up with Daniel Wagner and Vinicius Goncalves Rodrigues. Even though many weren’t sure who’d won, the 19-year-old’s time of 12.06 seconds had just snagged him his maiden Paralympic gold medal. Ezra Frech is now a Paralympian. Wagner trailed after in 12.08 seconds, and Rodrigues completed the podium with 12.10 seconds on the clock.

As thrilling as it was, the wunderkind wasn’t expecting that result. “I was definitely not expecting to go out there and win.” His friend and 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist, Noah Lyles, reposted Team USA’s X post, celebrating the incredible win. The Paralympian’s quest for medals hasn’t ended just yet. He will contest in the T63 high jump on August 3, another event he’s hoping to win a Paralympic hardware in. What do you think of his message to the fans?