VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: Ezra Frech, Born With One Finger On Left Hand, Vows To Become ‘Greatest Paralympic Athlete Of All Time’

Ezra Frech, a rising star in the U.S. Paralympic community, has his eyes set on gold as he enters the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Frech shared his ambitious expectations, reflecting the confidence and determination that have defined his athletic career in an exclusive uInterview in May.

Competing in the high jump, long jump, and 100-meter events, Frech confidently stated his goal: “My expectations are gold in the high jump and a medal in the 100-meter and long jump. So, walking home with three pieces of hardware, and one of those chains will be gold.”

Frech’s confidence is well founded. Reflecting on his journey to becoming a world champion, he recounted a pivotal moment after finishing fifth in the Tokyo Paralympics. “I walked off the track in Tokyo in fifth place, and my dad looked at me. I was unbelievably devastated, and he said, ‘You’re the world champion; gotta act like it. You’re the world champion.’ So every day, I would tell myself, ‘I’m the world champion; this is what the world champion does,'” Frech said.

This mindset led him to victory at the World Championships, where he proved that belief in oneself is key to achieving greatness.

Born with physical challenges, Frech has overcome tremendous odds to reach the pinnacle of Paralympic sports. He was born with one finger on his left hand and a lower left leg that was curved in and toward his waist. At three years old, Frech underwent surgery to amputate his leg at the knee and to transplant his big toe to his hand, giving him a second finger. Growing up, he immersed himself in various sports, playing basketball, soccer and football. However, it wasn’t until he was 11 years old, inspired by the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, that Frech decided to dedicate himself to becoming a Paralympic athlete.

“I committed to myself that I would be the greatest Paralympic Olympian of all time. And then everything I do in my life is to get me a step closer to that goal,” Frech said. While winning gold medals and breaking world records are significant accomplishments, Frech emphasized that his ultimate goal goes beyond sports. He wants to use his platform to “normalize disability, change the way we view disability, destigmatize disability.”

Frech believes that expanding the spotlight on Paralympic sports is crucial for changing perceptions about disability. He credits the media, storytelling, and audience engagement as essential tools in elevating the visibility of Paralympic athletes. “The way we continue to expand the spotlight on Paralympic sports is through what you guys are doing. It’s through the media. It’s through athletes, storytelling,” Frech said.