Daniel Wagner Jørgensen
Track and Field
“Sport is a part of my DNA.”
Gymnast. Sprinter. Long Jumper. Snow Boarder. Paralympian.
As with most young children, Daniel was full of energy. Always active, he was drawn to the physicality of athletic competition and became an avid gymnast and snowboarder. At age 14, he dislocated his knee during a gymnastics event and doctors were forced to amputate his right leg above the knee.
Adjusting physically was a priority and Daniel immediately began to work on regaining muscle strength, coordination and balance. His family’s support helped him adjust to managing everyday activities. But he yearned to return to the sport he loved since age 2. Back in the training facility, gymnastics helped him adjust to his new life with a prosthesis.
“It’s going to take everything – you have to prepare as well as you can, you have to stay fit, and stay fit in the mind as well.”
It was during his gymnastic sessions that he realized he had other athletic talents. Enter a new chapter and passion - track and field. Currently using Össur’s Pro-Flex and RHEO KNEE XC for his daily pursuits, Daniel began training in the long jump and 100m-200m sprints with the Össur Cheetah, which he continues to use for athletics. Four years later, Daniel competed in the 2012 Paralympics in London, winning the Bronze medal in the long jump (T63). He would continue to improve, later winning medals in all three of his events at the 2015 World Championships in Doha. The following year, Daniel won a gold medal in the long jump at the 2016 European Championships. His most recent accomplishments came in the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai, winning a silver medal in the long jump (T63) and gold medal in the 100m (T63).
Athletic Accomplishments
- World Class Para athlete
- World Championships in Dubai 2019 Silver medal in long jump T63 and Gold medal in 100m T63
- Former World Record holder in long jump (6.70m)
- Paralympic medalist in London 2012 (Bronze)
- Paralympic medalist in Rio 2016 (Bronze and Silver)
- 3 x World Championship medalist 2015
- Flagbearer for Denmark, Winter Paralympics 2018, opening ceremony
- Participant, Snowboarding event, Winter Paralympics 2018
Facts
Nationality
Denmark
Competitive Class
T63
Amputation
Right leg - through knee amputee
Main Events
100m, Long Jump