LOS ANGELES -- From the vibrant tracks of Los Angeles to the impending excitement of Paris 2024, Ezra Frech's journey as a Paralympian is not just a tale of athletic skill but also a profound narrative of resilience, advocacy, and hope.
As a congenital amputee, Frech’s unshakeable spirit was evident since childhood, a time where dreams run vast.
“My name is Ezra Frech. I'm a Paralympian for Team USA. I do track and field, and I'm the current world record holder in the T63 high jump,” Frech introduced himself to the Sporting Tribune with a mature confidence.
Even as a child, Ezra's aspirations weren't tethered by the physical confines of his body; instead they were boundless, reaching for every line in the sand and every mark on a high jump bar.
Ezra's journey into the heart of Paralympic sports began at the tender age of eight. Where other children his age would take it as play, Ezra was discovering a passion that, by the age of 11, had formed into a call to action. The Rio 2016 Paralympics was his turning point.
“I had this almost out of body epiphany type moment where I decided I'm going to be a Paralympian. That's what I want to do with my life,” Ezra recounted.
With each rigorous practice and each leap over the bar, he not only grew in stature but also in his resolve.
“I trained unbelievably hard, I matured, I grew... I went from 11 years old to 15 and then ultimately made the Paralympic team,” he said, reflecting on his career’s evolution.
Behind his athletic journey, there’s an unwavering support system embodied by his friends and family, but particularly his father, Clayton Frech. Clayton, the CEO and founder of Angel City Sports, shares an extraordinary bond with his son, grounded in mutual respect and shared passions.
“He and I have a really pretty special relationship. I've been sort of his sports partner for most of his life,” Clayton shared.
Together, they founded Angel City Sports, an initiative born from a glaring need for more adaptive sports programs in Southern California. The nonprofit rapidly grew into a major force, advocating for and providing sports opportunities to those with physical disabilities.
“It's a very special and unique [organization],” Clayton noted, his voice filled with the pride of a father and the satisfaction of a co-founder. “And so I have a pretty expansive vision for what this should be. And we're not done. We're not even close”
Ezra showcased that same unyielding spirit as his father at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Despite a valiant effort he narrowly missed the podium finish by just an inch in the high jump. The near-miss has now set the stage for Ezra’s redemptive journey towards the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“My biggest inspiration, motivator is the times that I've lost... I have a lot to prove,” Ezra admitted.
His record-setting performance at the World Para Athletics Championships, where he established a new high jump world record, underscores his status as a top contender for the upcoming games.
Ezra Frech is VIBES and he set a personal best with a 12.45 in the men's 100m T63!
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 17, 2023
NBC Sports | @Xfinity pic.twitter.com/N6P3zsFCn6
From visionary child to world-record-holding Paralympian and transformative non-profit co-founder, Frech is proving that true champions transcend their arenas to uplift and inspire the world.
“I hope kids watching me in Paris take away that anything is possible,” he shares, his voice permeated with the responsibility of a role model. “I will always walk through the fire with my head held high and a smile on my face. And I look forward to coming out in Paris and showing the world what I've been through to make it to the top.”