Blake Leeper

Blake Leeper is an American Paralympic athlete who is an eight-time Paralympic track and field international medalist, two-time world record holder and three-time American record holder. Born in Kingsport, Tennessee Blake was born with both legs missing below the knee and has worn prosthetics since 9 months old. In June 2016 he tested positive for using cocaine. It was determined that his use of cocaine was not intended to enhance performance, and in consideration of other mitigating factors he was deemed eligible for a reduced, 1-year sanction. Blake returned to the world of track and field at the US Track and Field Championships in 2017, becoming the first double-leg amputee to compete at the event. After qualifying for the semi-finals with a time of 45.52 seconds in the 400 metres, Leeper was able to break Oscar Pistorius’ world record in the event, with a time of 45.25 seconds the next day.
In the video below Blake talks about his ultimate dream to one day qualify for the Olympics.

About Blake Leeper

About the book

Content

These videos form part of the book 'The Secret Balance of Champions – Health Challenges in Elite Sport'. The Secret Balance of Champions is about the health challenges that elite athletes may encounter during or after their career. The book consists of eight chapters, compiled by some of the best sports and medical experts in the world, and features the unique stories of 32 champions. This is a ‘must-read’ book for anyone striving to become the best version of themselves!

In the book: Petr Czech, Mo Farah, Marianne Timmer, Kiki Bertens, Dwight Phillips, Ila Borders, Pieter van den Hoogenband, Geremi Njitap Fotso, Danka Barteková, Arjen Robben, Maarten van der Weijden, Abhinav Bindra, Lydia Williams, Evgeniy Levchenko, Marit Bjørgen, Niccoló Campriani, Dorian van Rijsselberghe, Epke Zonderland, Blake Leeper, Elise Christie, Nouchka Fontijn, Zanele Mdodana, Florence Schelling, Alistair Overeem, Sarah Gregorius, Willie Gault, Chris Hoy, Steven Kitshoff, Jetze Plat, Suresh Raina, Apolo Anton Ohno, Chris Froome, and a foreword written by Marco van Basten.

Push Sports is the proud co-sponsor of this unique project.


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About the authors

‘The Secret Balance of Champions’ was created and co-written by Vincent Gouttebarge (FIFPRO Chief Medical Officer), Gino Kerkhoffs (Orthopaedic Surgeon in elite sport at Amsterdam UMC) and Margriet de Schutter (former short-track speed skater and founder of Extopsporter.nl, an online platform for active and former elite athletes).

Editors

Official Supplier & Sponsorships

  • FIFPRO
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