Greg DeWall
Greg Dewall first stepped on to the judo mat in December 2005. After competing in Greco-Roman wrestling in high school and college, Dewall was looking for an indoor physical activity to participate in during the winter months to supplement his favorite summer recreation activity of wakeboarding. It didn’t take long for judo to become a year-round commitment.
In February, 2007, after finishing 4-0 at a tournament against sighted athletes in San Jose, Calif., he was offered an opportunity to be a part of the 2007 U.S. World and Parapan American Teams.
With less than three years experience in the sport, the totally blind athlete qualified for his first U.S. Paralympic Team in 2008 where he won the bronze medal in the +100kg division.
In 2009, Dewall moved down to 90kg where he won silver medals at the USA Judo Visually Impaired National Championships and the U.S. Open for the Visually Impaired.
Dewall’s success can be credited to his positive attitude. He says: “I always keep trying to move forward, improve and progress.”
Athlete bio courtesy USA Judo
Major Accomplishments:
- 2010: U.S. Team member – IBSA World Championships
- 2010: Gold medal, 90kg division – Lithuania Open
- 2009: Silver medal, 90kg division – USA Judo Visually Impaired National Championships
- 2008: Bronze medal, +100kg - Paralympic Games, Beijing,China
- 2007: Fifth place - IBSA World Judo Games, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- 2007: Silver medal - Para Pan American Games, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
