Mark

Zupan

Mark Zupan's goal for the 2008 Paralympic Games, like many of his teammates, was to win gold. His other goal was not to simply win, but to dominate the competition in Beijing. Following Team USA's romp through the tournament, Zupan accomplished everything he wanted.

Zupan began playing wheelchair rugby in Atlanta in 1996 and has become a mainstay on the U.S. Paralympics Wheelchair Rugby National Team over the past several years. He found rugby while in rehab. An avid contact sport enthusiast, he says Wheelchair Rugby was the best fit for him after his injury. He was prominently featured in the Academy Award nominated documentary "Murderball," and has become one of the team's most recognized faces.

In addition to his position at C. Faulkner Engineering, Zupan tours the country as a motivational speaker. His autobiography, "Gimp," was released in October 2006.

Major Achievements:

• 2008:  Gold medal, U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Team - Paralympic Games, Beijing, China
• 2008:  First place - Canada Cup, Burnaby, British Columbia 
• 2008:  Second place - North American Cup, Birmingham, Alabama 
• 2008:  U.S. Quad Rugby Association National Championship - Texas Stampede 
• 2007:  Nominated to 2008 U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Team
• 2006:  Gold medal - World Wheelchair Rugby Championships, Christchurch, New Zealand
• 2006:  First place - Canada Cup, Vancouver, British Columbia
• 2006:  First place - North American Cup, Birmingham, Ala.
• 2005:  USQRA Division I National Championship, Texas Stampede
• 2004:  Bronze medal - Paralympic Games, Athens, Greece
• 2004:  USQRA Wheelchair Rugby Athlete of the Year
• 2004:  USQRA Division I National Championship, Texas Stampede
• 2003:  Bronze medal - World Wheelchair Games, Christchurch, New Zealand
• 2002:  Silver medal - IWRF World Championships, Gothenburg, Sweden
• 1999:  Gold medal - World Wheelchair Games, Christchurch, New Zealand