Laurie Stephens

Sport: Alpine Skiing
Residence: Wenham, Massachusetts

Laurie Stephens set a U.S. record in disabled swimming and, having been introduced to ski racing through a community program, quickly became a ski champion, too - while juggling college classes. What she lacks in physical size, Stephens produces in overpowering results when she gets onto a race course. As a rookie, she was the 2004 overall and Giant Slalom champion. She took charge in the first races (two Giant Slaloms) at Steamboat Springs , CO in 2004 and rocketed through the 2005 season, winning races in every discipline. "I just felt that I had to prove to myself that [2004] wasn't a fluke," she explained.

Stephens, born with spina bifida, began wheelchair racing and swimming as a youngster. By the year 2000, she held two U.S. records for disabled swimming – the 100m and 200m backstroke. She started skiing at age 12, when a group for skiers with disabilities went to Loon Mountain in New Hampshire . She turned to racing at about age 15, joining fellow Paralympian Chris Devlin-Young’s New England Disabled Ski Team. "I always end up competing in whatever sports I’ve started," according to Stephens. "I was really surprised [by winning the 2003 downhill title] and I just hope I can keep improving."

2005 was a banner year for the skier, as she won all the World Cup titles (Overall, Super G, Slalom, and Giant Slalom) by taking first place in 10 of 16 races. This has positioned her as a serious medal contender at the 2006 Winter Paralympic Games of Torino, Italy.

At the 2006 Paralympic games in Torino, Laurie won 2 Gold (Downhill and Super G) and 1 Silver (Giant Slalom). She also won the 2006 World Cup Overall (Super G), is the Giant Slalom champion, and is the 2006 US National Champion (in Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom, and Slalom).

In addition to her elite athletic pursuits, Laurie is a full-time student at the University of New Hampshire where she is majoring in therapeutic recreation.

Working with U.S. Paralympics® founding sponsor, The Hartford, Laurie is helping to raise public awareness of what people with a physical disability can achieve in all aspects of life.