The World Competes

Comedians like to make jokes about the biathlon… if they knew that blind people were in the Paralympic biathlon, they might have a field day.

Alana Nichols won the first gold medal for the United States in the 2010 Vancouver Paralympics. She also has a gold medal from the Summer Paralympics.

Jeremy Wotherspoon, Canadian speedskater who held the world record but failed to get the gold, retired.

Rick Hansen was the Vancouver 2010 torch bearer at the opening ceremonies in a wheelchair. He is also a gold medalist, has a song written about him, and will be the subject of an upcoming movie.

The International Luge Federation is taking donations for Nodar Kumaritashvili’s family. Please consider donating a small amount.

Adaptive skiing allows disabled athletes to compete in the Paralympics, whether they are blind, can’t stand, or have a locomotive disability.

Chris Klebl will be participating in his second Paralympics this month. He competes in cross-country using a sit-ski.

Sledge Hockey is a Paralympic event that allows non-walkers to be able to play ice hockey.

Sonja Henie was one of the youngest figure skaters, participating in her first Olympics at age 11. She won her first gold at 15, and followed that up with several other golds and a lucrative acting career.

Evan Lysacek will be in this spring’s Dancing with the Stars.