PARA ATHLETICS

Peter Genyn

24 December 1976 Brasschaat, Belgium

LATEST TRIUMPHS:: London 2017 World Para Athletics Championships – gold: 100m and 400m T51; Rio 2016 Games – gold: 100m and 400m T51; Grosseto 2016 European Championships – gold: 100m and 400m T51; Doha 2015 World Championships – gold: 100m and 400m T51; Swansea 2014 European Championships – silver: 100m and 400m T51

Related Images

Two wheelchair racers on the track after their race

Belgium's Peter Genyn and Italy's Alvise de Vidi after the men's 400m T51 where Genyn broke the world record at Grosseto 2016. © • Agenzia Fotografica BF

Peter Genyn of Belgium wins the Men's 100 meter T51 final at Olympic Stadium during day 6 of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games on September 13, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. © • Getty Images

Related Videos: Men's 400m T51 | final | 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships Doha; Men's 100m T51 | final | 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships Doha
Related News: Belgian Genyn receives award; Five Facts about…Peter Genyn; Workout Wednesday: Belgium's Peter Genyn; Holiday Hotspot with Belgium’s Peter Genyn; London calling – Belgium’s 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.