Jaydin Blackwell is fast becoming a legend in the making. At just 20 years old, and despite living with cerebral palsy, he has sprinted his way into the history books with a stunning performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Blackwell didn’t just compete—he shattered expectations and set a new world record in the T38 100-meter dash with an astonishing time of 10.64 seconds. This wasn’t just an improvement on his previous record of 10.72 seconds set in July; it was a complete demolition.

Blackwell once said, “When people watch me run, I hope I can inspire them, and if they don’t know track and field to at least try it and see if they can go further.” He has without a doubt achieved his goal. Blackwell’s blistering speed left his competitors in the dust. Silver medalist Ryan Medrano finished nearly 0.3 seconds behind, and Colombia’s Juan Alejandro Sanchez took bronze with a time of 10.99 seconds. But Jaydin’s achievements on the track are only part of his story. Moments before the race, he won the admiration of fans by selflessly assisting a fellow athlete with his prosthetics, proving that his heart is as strong as his legs.

But Paris is not the only feather on his crown. Jaydin is also a two-time World Champion, having secured gold in both the 100m and 400m at the 2023 World Championships. And he holds the world record in the 400m with a time of 48.49 seconds. In the same year, he was crowned the 2023 100-meter and 400-meter Para Track and Field National Champion and went on to earn the USATF U20 Men’s Athlete of the Year title. Blackwell has undoubtedly engraved his name into the hall of sprinting legends.

A legend is born!

So where does this legend’s story begin? Jaydin Blackwell was born in Oak Park, Michigan. Blackwell was born prematurely at just 26 weeks and weighed 1 pound, 9 ounces at birth. He was then diagnosed with cerebral palsy at six, affecting the muscles in his legs. Talking about his diagnosis, he said, “My muscles will be tightened when I finish running. My legs will be very tight so I’ll have to walk around, sit down, or do a little jog or stretch for a few good minutes. Then walk around some more just to relax. I can’t run for a long time – that’s why I’m a sprinter, short and sweet; I can’t do distance.”

But none of these challenges deterred him. Blackwell’s mother Rochelle, played a key role in guiding him towards para sports. Blackwell’s journey however, continues to be marked by challenges. In 2021, he experienced multiple knee surgeries from soccer and running. But in true champion style, Blackwell made a comeback. By 2023, he was back in peak form stacking up medals at the Para Athletics World Championships. As Blackwell himself puts it, “I like to consider myself the Noah Lyles of Para track and field.” Jaydin Blackwell isn’t just breaking records; he’s breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. And for this young athlete, it’s clear—his journey is only just beginning.