ATLANTA — University of Georgia Parlympian Jarryd Wallace earned his second career medal in Paris on Wednesday, winning bronze in the men's long jump T64 final.
Wallace, who grew up in Athens, finished third behind American teammate Derek Loccident, who won silver. Germany's Markus Rehm won gold. It was his fourth Paralympic gold medal in the long jump and fifth overall. He won with a best distance of 8.13 meters.
Wallace, who was competing in his fourth Paralympics, had a best jump of 7.49 meters.
Wallace began his running career as an able-bodied athlete, but during his junior year at UGA, he was diagnosed with compartment syndrome after feeling pain in his right shin. Surgery complications resulted in the amputation of his leg below the knee. Just 15 months after his amputation, Wallace won his first major international gold and wet a world record at the 2011 Parapan American Games in Mexico.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, compartment syndrome "is a painful condition that occurs when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels," which can lead to decreased blood flow and is dangerous to nerve and muscle cells.
More about Jarryd Wallace
- Georgia tie: Hometown of Athens, went to the University of Georgia
Wallace, a sprinter, competed in his fourth Paralympic Games. He captured his first medal in Tokyo, a bronze in the 200m T64. He has competed in five different Paralympic sports in his career, including the long jump.
The University of Georgia graduate is the son of legendary UGA tennis coach Jeff Wallace, who retired after leading the Bulldogs for 38 seasons, including six national championships.
He's won gold three times at the World Championships and has won bronze twice.
