Peter Genyn

A former wheelchair rugby player, Genyn switched to Para athletics in 2014 after breaking his leg when he fell out of his wheelchair on a bumpy road. Advised it was too dangerous to continue playing rugby, Genyn turned to the track and hasn’t looked back.

The Belgian won silver medals in the 100m and 400m T51 at the 2014 European Championships in Swansea, Great Britain, then went one better at the World Championships in Doha, Qatar, a year later, finishing top of the podium in the 100m and 400m T51.

Double gold followed at the European Championships in 2016, with a new world record in the 400m T51 too.

At the Rio Paralympic Games, Genyn was on top once again, winning two more gold medals. The King of Belgium called to congratulate him and at the end of the year he received the 2016 Vlaams Sportjuweel (Flemish Sports Jewel), presented by the Flemish government annually to the athlete who has delivered a remarkable and exceptional sporting performance.

At London 2017 Genyn topped the podium yet again, retaining his two world titles.