Paris, France – The world is quickly getting to know Ezra Frech, 19, from Los Angeles who has become an astounding example of perseverance, determination, and excellence in Paralympic sports.
Born with congenital limb differences, Ezra has never allowed his physical challenges to define him. Instead, he has turned them into a source of motivation, driving him to remarkable achievements, showing his strong mental resilience and establishing himself as one of the most promising young athletes in Paralympic history.
Overcoming Early Life Challenges
Ezra Frech was born on May 11, 2005, in Los Angeles, California. He came into the world without the lower part of his left leg and with only one finger on his left hand. When he was just 11 months old, Ezra underwent surgery to amputate a portion of his left leg, allowing him to be fitted with a prosthetic. This surgery marked the beginning of Ezra’s journey as an adaptive athlete.
Despite his challenges, Ezra’s parents instilled in him a strong sense of independence and resilience from the start. Encouraged to engage in various sports beginning with a passion for Basketball, Ezra soon developed a passion for athletics.
Ezra lives with confidence never letting his physical differences hold him back and this has inspired thousands around the world.
Parents’ Influence and Support
Ezra Frech’s journey to becoming a Paralympic athlete has been deeply supported and shaped by his family. From a young age, his parents, Clayton and Bahar Frech, played a crucial role in fostering his independence and resilience. They ensured that Ezra grew up in an environment where his physical differences were never seen as limitations but rather as unique aspects of who he is. Scripting their community they took their own measures to ensure everyone around Ezra knew in advance, how to regard and treat him.
Their unwavering belief in Ezra’s potential motivated him to push through challenges and strive for excellence in everything he does.Recognizing the lack of accessible sports opportunities for children with disabilities, Ezra and his parents co-founded “Angel City Sports,” an incredible NGO dedicated to providing adaptive sports clinics, equipment, and competitions. This initiative supported Ezra’s ambitions and also created opportunities for other children and adults with and without disabilities to participate in sports.
The Network of Support
Ezra’s support extends beyond his family to include a network of relatives and friends who have provided emotional and logistical support throughout his journey. This close-knit support system has been essential in helping Ezra navigate the demands of training, competitions, and public appearances.
His family’s involvement in his life goes beyond the usual parental support; they have actively participated in his advocacy efforts, helping to raise awareness about disability rights and inclusion. Their collective efforts have made a significant impact in Los Angeles and now beyond.
This supportive environment has allowed Ezra to focus on his goals, knowing that he is not alone in his journey.
The Path to the Paralympics
Ezra’s athletic career gained serious traction when he began competing in track and field events. Excelling in multiple disciplines, including high jump, long jump, and sprints, Ezra’s talent and dedication were evident as he broke numerous records at a young age. His performances at national competitions drew the attention of Paralympic scouts, and it wasn’t long before he was selected to represent the United States on the international stage.
Ezra made his international debut at the 2019 World Para Athletics Junior Championships in Nottwil, Switzerland, where he won silver medals in both the high jump and long jump. These achievements showcased his immense talent and set the stage for even greater success.
Tokyo 2020 Paralympics: A Dream Come True
Ezra Frech’s journey to the Paralympics culminated in his participation in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At just 16 years old, Ezra was one of the youngest athletes on Team USA. Competing in the T63 category for athletes with limb differences, Frech took part in both the high jump and long jump events.
In the high jump, Ezra cleared 1.80 meters, earning a commendable fifth-place finish. Although he did not win a medal, his performance was widely praised, and he gained valuable experience competing against the world’s best. Ezra’s participation in the Tokyo Paralympics was not only a personal milestone but also an inspiration to many young athletes with disabilities, demonstrating that they too can compete at the highest level.
Beyond Athletics: Advocacy and Inspiration
Ezra Frech’s impact reaches far beyond his athletic achievements. He is a passionate advocate for disability rights and inclusion. Alongside “Angel City Sports,” Ezra is also a motivational speaker, sharing his story with audiences worldwide. He speaks about the importance of resilience, the power of a positive mindset, and the need for greater inclusivity in sports and society. His message resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds, inspiring them to overcome their own challenges and pursue their dreams.
UTS Young Leader
United Through Sports holds a close collaboration with the International Paralympic Committee and in 2021, Ezra was recommended to be considered for the role as a UTS Young Leader. A Young Leader (YL) is a young athlete (between ages 7-24 years old) that shows they are dedicated, motivated and have significant potential to influence and inspire their peers, community, and beyond, through the power of their sport and advocacy towards encouraging a better society.
Ezra was selected by UTS and President Stephan Fox said: “Young leaders such as Ezra are the change we want to see in this world. The next generation who will do so much better than we have with strong values and their hearts in the right place. Ezra fits this role perfectly and we are proud to have him join the family.”
In 2021 and 2022, Ezra took part in UTS World Youth Festivals in hybrid format and live in Bangkok, Thailand. Accompanied by his parents Ezra had various roles in the event from sharing his story, to speaking in a panel towards inclusion, walking proudly in the opening ceremony and leading adaptive workout sessions.
We are proud to see Ezra thriving and encouraging the other UTS YL’s around the world to go for their dreams and believe in themselves.
Paris Paralympic Games 2024
At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Ezra astounded the world by taking home not one, but two medals for Team USA. With his relentless work ethic, nurtured talent, and unwavering determination, there is little doubt that Ezra will continue to leave his mark on the world of Paralympic sports.
Men’s T63 100-Meter Dash: Ezra won his first Paralympic gold medal in this event with a time of 12.00 seconds.
Men’s T63 High Jump: 24 hours later, Ezra secured a second gold medal in his specialty event, the high jump. He cleared a new Paralympic record height of 1.94 meters, further solidifying his dominance in this discipline. He made history!
Ezra Frech is more than a Paralympic athlete; he is a symbol of what can be achieved when we refuse to be limited by challenging circumstances. His story is a testament to the power of mental perseverance, the importance of inclusivity, and the belief that everyone has the potential to achieve greatness. As he continues to break barriers and inspire others, Ezra Frech will be remembered for years to come. UTS is excited to follow and support his journey with the next major events in 2025 and a strong group of YL, the future is even brighter. Congratulations Ezra!
