Sandy Dukat

Sport: Alpine Skiing
Residence: Vail, Colorado

Sandy Dukat had competed against able-bodied athletes her whole life even though she only has one leg. But a whole new world opened up for her when she discovered disabled sports.

In 1996 she joined the swim team at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and before long was swimming with the US Disabled Swim Team. She set an American record in the 800-meter freestyle at the 1998 Disabled Swimming World Championships, and was elected co-captain of the U.S. Team.

Today, she competes as a world-class skier and member of the U.S. Paralympic Ski Team. It was a 1997 trip to The Hartford Ski Spectacular, the nation’s largest ski event for people with disabilities, which sparked Sandy 's interest in winter sports. "Making the U.S. Paralympic Ski Team was a dream come true, especially since I only started skiing in 1997," she says.

Before devoting her efforts to full-time training, Sandy worked as an Information Specialist in at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. She helped to coordinate a national database related to physical activity and disability.

"I have a disability, but I have no limits. That's the message I want to share with others," says Sandy .

At the 2002 Paralympic Games of Salt Lake City, Sandy captured two bronze medals while competing in four Alpine events. She had an excellent World Cup season in 2003-2004, finishing with 12 podium appearances and fifth in the overall World Cup Points race. At the 2004 World Championships in Austria Sandy skied her way to three bronze medals. Last year, Dukat’s skiing was the best of her career - earning one win and three other top-five finishes in six races. She took the season’s end by storm, finishing second in all four title races at The Hartford U.S. Disabled Alpine Championships in Vail, CO. Finally, Sandy won the bronze in slalom at the 2006 Torino Paralympic Games.

A powerful public speaker with a passion for promoting individual abilities, Sandy also works closely with The Hartford, founding sponsor of U.S. Paralympics®, helping to positively change attitudes and perceptions about disability.