Cheri Madsen facts for kids

Madsen at the 2015 Parapan American Games
Quick facts for kids Personal information
Born	(1976-09-27) September 27, 1976 (age 48) Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
Height	155 cm
Weight	52 kg
Sport
Sport	Paralympic athletics
Disability class	T54
Event(s)	100–800 m
Medal record Representing the  United States Paralympic Games Gold 2000 Sydney 100 m T54 Gold 2000 Sydney 400 m T54 Silver 1996 Atlanta 100 m T53 Silver 1996 Atlanta 200 m T53 Silver 2000 Sydney 200 m T54 Silver 2016 Rio 400 m T54 Silver 2020 Tokyo 400 m T54 Bronze 1996 Atlanta 400 m T53 Bronze 1996 Atlanta 800 m T53 Bronze 2020 Tokyo 100 m T54 IPC Athletics World Championships Silver 2017 London 200m - T54 Bronze 2013 Lyon 200 m T54 Bronze 2013 Lyon 400 m T54 Parapan American Games Silver 2015 Toronto 400 m T54 Bronze 2015 Toronto 800 m T54

Cheri Madsen (born September 27, 1976) is an amazing American athlete. She is famous for her incredible speed in wheelchair racing. Cheri has won many medals at the Paralympic Games, which are like the Olympics for athletes with disabilities.

Who is Cheri Madsen?

Cheri Madsen was born on September 27, 1976. She is a member of the Omaha tribe, a Native American group. Cheri grew up in Nebraska and finished high school in 1995.

Early Life and Starting Sports

When Cheri was just three years old, she lost the ability to use her legs. This happened because of a viral infection that affected her spine. In 1994, she discovered wheelchair racing. She quickly became very good at it. Just two years later, she was ready for the biggest stage.

Paralympic Success

Cheri Madsen competed in her first Paralympic Games in 1996 in Atlanta. She raced in four events and won a medal in every single one! This was a fantastic start to her career.

In 2000, she went to the Sydney Paralympics. There, she continued her amazing performance. She won two gold medals and one silver medal. After these games, Cheri took a break from racing. She wanted to focus on her family. She got married in 2001 and later had two daughters.

Returning to the Track

After some years away, Cheri decided to return to competitive racing in 2013. She was inspired to race again by her family. Her comeback was just as successful.

She qualified for the 2013 IPC World Championships. She also competed in the 2015 Parapan American Games. Cheri then made it to the Rio Paralympics in 2016. In all these competitions, she continued to win medals. She even won more medals at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020. Cheri Madsen is a true example of dedication and strength.