Karen Donaldson

Karen Donaldson (1947 – October 28, 2005) was an American Paralympic swimmer and athlete. She competed at the 1968 Summer Paralympics, 1972 Summer Paralympics, 1976 Summer Paralympics, and 1980 Summer Paralympics, winning five gold medals, one silver medal, and three bronze medals in total. gold medals in Women's 25 meters Backstroke 1A, and Women's 25 meters Freestyle 1A.

Karen Donaldson

Personal information
Born	1947 (1947)
Died	(2005-10-28)October 28, 2005 (aged 58)
Sport
Country	USA
Sport	Paralympic swimmer and athlete
Medal record Representing United States Event 1st 2nd 3rd Paralympic Games 5 1 3 Paralympic Games Women's para swimming 1972 Heidelberg 25 m Backstroke 1A 1980 Arnhem 25 m Backstroke 1A 1980 Arnhem 25 m Freestyle 1A 1980 Arnhem 3x25 m Freestyle Relay 1A-1C 1976 Toronto 25 m Backstroke 1A Women's para athletics 1980 Arnhem Slalom 1A 1980 Arnhem 60 m 1A 1972 Heidelberg 60 m Wheelchair 1A 1976 Toronto Slalom 1A

Early life and education

Donaldson, born to American parents, spent her early childhood in England, where her father was stationed as a member of the Air Force. At age six, Donaldson suffered an unknown illness that resulted in her becoming paraplegic. Following her illness, the family returned to the United States, where Donaldson was treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She began swimming as part of her treatment.

Donaldson's mother pushed for her to attend the same high school as her brothers, although she used a wheelchair.

She studied at Wayne State University.

Sports career

While attending Wayne State University, Donaldson joined the Michigan Wheelchair Athletic Association.

At the 1968 Summer Paralympics in Tel Aviv, Donaldson won three medals: a gold medal in the 25m breaststroke, and silver medals in the 25-meter freestyle and 25-meter backstroke.

At the 1972 Summer Paralympics, Donaldson took gold in women's 25m backstroke 1a, and bronze in women's 60m wheelchair 1a.

At the 1976 Summer Paralympics, Donaldson won bronze medals in the women's 25m backstroke 1a and women's slalom 1a. She also competed in the 1a category for women's discus and club throw.

She competed at the 1978 Pan‐American Wheelchair Games, winning a gold medal in the 25meter freestyle in the 1-A category.

She was inducted into the Wheelchair Sports Hall of Fame in 1982.

Personal life

Donaldson met and married Jack Donaldson while in college. The two later divorced, and Donaldson moved to Washington in 1992 soon after. There, she worked in the Information Technology department at Boeing.

Donaldson died from pneumonia at age 58. Noted by her family for her "strong will", Donaldson lived independently until the end of her life.