Ezra Frech is an inspiring American para athlete who has made significant strides in the world of track and field, particularly in high jump, long jump, and sprinting events. Born on May 11, 2005, in Los Angeles, California, Frech has overcome considerable challenges due to congenital limb differences, including the absence of his left knee and fibula, as well as missing fingers on his left hand. He received his first prosthetic leg at just 11 months old and underwent surgery at the age of two to remove the non-functioning part of his left leg.
Frech’s athletic journey began at the age of eight, when he transitioned from various sports, including basketball and soccer, to focus on track and field. His first competitive experience came in 2013 at the Endeavor Games, where he broke multiple national youth records. This success ignited his passion for athletics, leading him to compete internationally. By 2019, he had already made a name for himself as the youngest athlete at the World Para Athletics Championships, where he earned one gold and two bronze medals.
His Paralympic debut came at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games, where he finished fifth in the high jump and eighth in the long jump. However, it was at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris that Frech truly shone. He won gold medals in both the 100 meters and high jump T63 events, setting a personal best of 12.06 seconds in the 100 meters and a new world record of 1.97 meters in the high jump. This remarkable achievement solidified his status as one of the top para athletes globally.
Frech is not just an athlete; he is also a dedicated advocate for disability rights and access to sports. Alongside his father, he co-founded Angel City Sports, which provides free sports training and competitive opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The organization hosts the Angel City Games, one of the largest adaptive sporting events in the United States.
In addition to his athletic and philanthropic endeavors, Frech serves as a motivational speaker, inspiring others with his story and advocating for greater inclusion in sports. As he prepares for future competitions, including the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles, Ezra Frech continues to break barriers and redefine what is possible for athletes with disabilities, making him a true role model for many.
