Jarryd Wallace will now attempt to win a medal in the long jump after taking home the bronze in the 200 metres in Tokyo. The Paralympian is out to shine in a new sport in Paris.
The former sprinter, out to prove himself as a long jumper, has to think differently. Speed is of the essence in sprinting. In the long jump, what matters is how far you can jump. It’s the metres that count, not the minutes and seconds.
The 34-year-old Paralympian Jarryd Wallace had an incredible career as a sprinter after his right leg was amputated at the age of 20 owing to complications from compartment syndrome. He qualified for his first Paralympic Games and quickly adjusted to running with a prosthetic, setting a world record in two years and solidifying his place in American Paralympic Track and Field.
But despite years of success in the 100 and 200 metres, Wallace thought his interest in the events had faded. He realized that to rekindle his passion, he needed a new challenge.
Wallace leaps to a new challenge, sets record
Wallace’s only long jump experience two years ago came from carefree beach days spent with his father. However, he soon found that the experience was like completing a challenging puzzle—it was both mentally and physically taxing.
Wallace has advanced remarkably quickly; in just one year from the beginning, he set an American record at the July U.S. Paralympic Trials and won bronze at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships. Wallace feels a fresh enthusiasm for his athletic career as he prepares to compete in his first Paralympic event, the long jump, in Paris.
Wallace stated; “I think one thing I’ve learned during my entire career is just the power of change.” He added; “It’s given me life back a little… It’s really kind of given me a fresh perspective on track and field. I’ve re-fallen in love with the sport”