Blake Leeper

Born in Kingsport, Tennessee, Blake Leeper has worn prosthetics since he was only nine months old due to both legs being missing below the knee. Growing up, Blake's father coached him in various sports including baseball and basketball, which he actively participated in. Blake credits his family for instilling a positive attitude in him.

Blake made his debut on the international stage in 2009 at the Rio de Janeiro games. He continued to make a name for himself by winning a silver medal in the World Championships 4×100 m Relay in 2011. Two years later, Blake garnered an individual silver medal in the 400-meter T44 and a bronze in the 200m at the Paralympic Games.

Blake Leeper made history as the first double-leg amputee ever to compete in the USATF National Championships. He qualified with a time of 45.52 seconds in the 400m and the following day, broke Oscar Pistorius' world record in the event with a time of 45.25 seconds.

In 2018, Blake shattered his own world record, becoming the first amputee to ever run under 45 seconds with a time of 44.42 secs. The following year, he broke another record in the 400m with a time of 44.38 seconds at the USATF National Championships. He also created history by becoming the first amputee to qualify for the national team in the world championships. Blake ran the 6th fastest time in the world that year, which included able-bodied runners.