Kendall Gretsch was born in Downers Grove, Illinois, with spina bifida, and from an early age, sport was part of her life. She grew up swimming, climbing, playing softball, and competing in basketball, building a foundation rooted in movement, competition, and community. 

Sport was never just an activity. It was a space where she could challenge herself, develop confidence, and discover what she was capable of. 

That mindset would continue to guide her as she moved into collegiate athletics and beyond. 

Finding a Path Forward 

During college, Kendall was introduced to paratriathlon. What began as a new challenge quickly became a focus. She committed to the sport and saw rapid success, winning three consecutive world championships from 2014 to 2016. 

But as momentum built, an unexpected challenge emerged. Her sport classification was not included in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games program, forcing her to rethink her path forward. 

Instead of stepping away, Kendall chose to adapt. 

She turned her attention to winter sport, stepping into Para Nordic skiing and embracing a new learning curve. It was a shift that required resilience, patience, and a willingness to start again. 

From Opportunity to the World Stage 

Kendall’s transition to winter sport quickly led to international success. At the Paralympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, she made her debut and earned two gold medals in Nordic skiing, establishing herself among the best in the world. 

Her ability to move between sports, seasons, and disciplines reflects a commitment to growth and continuous progress. 

Three years later, she returned to the Paralympic stage at the Tokyo 2020 Games, this time in paratriathlon. There, she won gold, becoming one of a small group of American athletes to win gold at both the summer and winter Paralympic Games. 

Her journey demonstrates that pathways in sport are not always linear. With access and opportunity, they can expand in unexpected ways. 

Sustained Excellence 

Kendall’s career continues to evolve across both disciplines. As a four-time Paralympian and eight-time Paralympic medalist, she has earned four gold, three silver, and one bronze medal across the world’s biggest stages. 

At the Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, she added multiple medals, including gold in the 10km Middle sitting event, alongside silver and bronze finishes across disciplines. 

At the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, she earned silver in paratriathlon, continuing to build on her legacy. 

Beyond the Paralympic Games, Kendall has consistently performed at the highest level and has earned multiple World Championship titles and podium finishes across paratriathlon and Para Nordic skiing. Her results reflect not only performance, but longevity and consistency in elite sport. 

What’s Possible When Access Exists 

Kendall’s journey highlights the impact of access to sport and the opportunities that follow. From discovering paratriathlon to stepping into Nordic skiing, each transition has been shaped by the ability to try, to learn, and to compete. 

For athletes with physical disabilities, access to equipment, coaching, and community can open doors that change the trajectory of what is possible. 

Kendall’s career is an example of what happens when those opportunities are available and sustained. 

Moving Forward 

Across seasons, disciplines, and years of competition, Kendall continues to evolve as an athlete. Her journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to pursuing what comes next. 

Each race, each transition, and each new challenge builds on the last, creating momentum that extends beyond results. 

Because when athletes have access to sport, they don’t just compete. They build skills, adapt to new challenges, and grow into opportunities that didn’t exist before. 

Support the Next Athlete 

Every athlete’s journey starts with access to equipment, coaching, and opportunity. 

Your support helps provide equipment, training, and opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities to pursue sport at every level.