Edina Alumnus Paul Nitz Competes in London Paralympics

At age 43, Edina Alumnus and Paralympic track and field competitor Paul Nitz is stronger and more determined than ever. A 3-time Gold Medal winner, this USA Paralympics team member and track captain brings experience and leadership as he competes in his 5^th Paralympic games.

Born with a spinal cord injury, Nitz has always strived to positively change public attitudes and perceptions about disability. From early beginnings in the Edina High School weight room to intercollegiate wheelchair basketball at Southwest State University to the Paralympics, sports have always played a vital role in his life.

Nitz competed in the 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004 Paralympics, bringing home 3 consecutive Gold Medals from 1992-2000 in 100 meter race. After missing the cut in 2008, Nitz is back this year, competing in 3 events. Last week, he earned the bronze in the 100-meter race and placed 7^th in the 400-meter. Watch Nitz compete in the 200-meter race this Saturday, Sept. 8.

Nitz currently resides in Bloomfield, Connecticut where he works as a Senior Underwriting Analyst for The Hartford, but remains close to his Edina ties. In a recent e-mail conversation between Nitz and his former adapted physical education teacher, Lynne Clarke, Nitz ended with the remark, “Go Hornets.” Indeed, go Hornets and GO PAUL!