Thomas Geierspichler is one of Austria’s most successful para-athletes of all time. After a severe car accident at the age of 18 that resulted in paraplegia, he went through a three-year life crisis before finding faith and, ultimately, his new purpose in wheelchair sports. The Salzburg native discovered his passion for wheelchair racing and worked his way to the top of the international stage.

The multiple-time “Disabled Athlete of the Year” in Austria achieved his greatest successes at the Paralympic Games. In 2004 in Athens, he won his first gold medal in the 1,500-meter race, a remarkable achievement that earned him worldwide recognition. At the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, he once again impressed by winning Olympic gold in the marathon. To this day, Geierspichler has won two gold, three silver, and four bronze medals at the Paralympics. In addition, he has secured five World championship titles, twelve European championship titles, and set two world records, making him a true legend in his sport. His unique journey, with all its highs and lows, is detailed in his book, “Thomas Geierspichler – Mit Rückgrat zurück ins Leben” („Thomas Geierspichler – With Backbone Back to Life”).

Geierspichler is known not only for his athletic achievements but also for his inspiring personality. Beyond sports, he is now active as a motivational speaker and advocates for para-sports and inclusion through his organization Walk’n‘Roll. In addition, the Austrian rents out holiday apartments on his barrier-free renovated farm near the city of Salzburg.