Ernst Van Dyk is a South African wheelchair racer. He has won more Boston Marathons than any other male wheelchair athlete, currently holding eight titles. He is also the current world record holder for men’s wheelchair marathon from his record-setting race in the 2004 Boston Marathon, which he completed in 1 hour, 18 minutes, 27 seconds. He was also awarded the Laureus World Sports Awards for Sportsperson with a Disability of the year for 2006. At the 2000 Summer ParalympicsSydney, he won a bronze medal in the 400 metres. At the next Paralympics in Athens, he won a silver medal in the 800 metre race, another silver in the 1500 metres, and a bronze in the 5000 metres. in
BIO
Ernst was born to two provincial-level athletes with congenital absence of both legs. His parents recognized his athletic abilities and encouraged sports participation. At first he went to school in Graaff-Reinet, but the school couldn’t cater for him. Then he attended the Elizabeth Conradie school for disabled children in Kimberley. He competed as a swimmer nationally in his teens. In 1992 he erolled in Stellenbosch University and competed in the Barcelona Olympics as a swimmer and wheelchair athlete. Thereafter, he concentrated on wheelchair athletics.
Career Highlights
8 Time winner of the Boston Marathon.
First Wheelchair Racer to break 1h20 for the marathon.
Only athlete to medal in 2 sports in Beijing 2008.
World Best Time for the marathon of 1:18.27 (2004)
2006 Recipient of the Laureus Sport Star of the Year.
Multiple Paralympics and World Championship Medalist
Marathon Majors won in career:
New York City Marathon
Los Angles Marathon
Boston Marathon
Paris Marathon
Columbus Marathon
Pittsburgh Marathon
Seoul Int. Wheelchair Marathon
Oita Marathon
Oensingen Marathon
Schenkon Marathon
