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Paralympic Athlete and Medalist
Blake Leeper is a world record holding sprinter, Paralympic medalist, and one of the most inspiring athletes of his generation. Born in Kingsport, Tennessee, with both legs missing below the knee, he began wearing prosthetics at nine months old and grew up competing in baseball, basketball, and other sports with the full support of his family. Blake broke onto the world stage at the 2012 Paralympic Games, winning silver in the 400m T44 and bronze in the 200m. In 2018, he shattered barriers by running 44.42 seconds in the 400m, becoming the first amputee to break the 45 second mark. He lowered the record again in 2019 with a time of 44.38 seconds, ranking sixth fastest in the world that year and becoming the first amputee to qualify for the U.S. National Team and World Championships. With over nine international medals, Blake now inspires global audiences through his powerful message of resilience, mindset, and limitless potential.
Languages Spoken
English
Travels From
California, USA
Languages Spoken
English
Travels From
California, USA
Blake Leeper is a world record holding sprinter, Paralympic medalist, and global symbol of resilience and human potential. Born in Kingsport, Tennessee, with both legs missing below the knee, Blake was fitted with prosthetics at just nine months old. From the beginning, he refused to let his circumstances define his future. With the unwavering support of his parents and a family that pushed him to believe in possibility not limitation Blake competed in baseball, basketball, and other sports throughout his childhood, often coached by his father. He credits his relentless optimism and champion mindset to the foundation his family built around him.
Blake’s athletic career accelerated onto the world stage at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, where he won a silver medal in the 400m T44 and a bronze in the 200m. But this was only the beginning.
In 2018, Blake made history by shattering his own world record in the 400 meters, running a time of 44.42 seconds and becoming the first amputee in history to break the 45 second barrier a milestone many believed was impossible. He wasn’t finished. In 2019, he ran an astonishing 44.38 seconds at the USATF National Championships, breaking the world record again and recording the 6th fastest time in the world that year. That performance made him the first amputee ever to qualify for the U.S. National Team and earn a spot at the World Championships, rewriting what the sporting world believed was achievable.
Over the course of his career, Blake has earned more than nine international medals, becoming one of the most decorated and influential athletes in Paralympic sport. His mission now extends far beyond the track. As an electrifying motivational speaker, he inspires global audiences with his story of perseverance, discipline, and the unshakeable belief that adversity can be transformed into advantage.
Blake continues to chase greatness with his sights set on future Paralympic gold in 2028 and he is committed to empowering others to run their own race with courage, purpose, and the mindset of a champion.