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Ron Williams

Sport: Cycling
Residence: Auburn, Alabama

When Ron Williams was 15 years old, he was an avid soccer player and a member of the U.S. Jr. National Soccer team. His dream of playing in the World Cup was shattered when, upon investigation of a sore left shin, he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, a malignant tumor of the bone. Ron beat cancer, but lost his left leg below the knee. Since then his life has been anything but ordinary.

After his recovery, Ron channeled his athletic abilities into water skiing. He took part in several disabled water skiing competitions and accepted a scholarship to water ski for Georgia College, competing in many national and international events. By the time of his graduation, Ron had captured two world records in water skiing: the World Disabled Slalom and the World Disabled Jumping records. He still holds both of these records today.

It was not until after college that Ron took up cycling. Competing in both able-bodied and disabled races on the local, state, and national level, Ron was soon named to the U.S. Paralympic Cycling team.

Career Highlights

  • 2008: U.S. Paralympic Team member, Cycling - Beijing, China
  • 2008: Gold Medal, road time trials- U.S. Paralympic Cycling National Championships, Morrison, CO
  • 2004: Captain of the U.S. Paralympic Cycling Team, Athens, Greece
  • 2004: Silver Medal- team sprint - Paralympic Games, Athens, Greece
  • 2004: Bronze Medal, combined road race and time trial - Paralympic Games, Athens, Greece
  • 2004: ESPY award nominee, Best Athlete with a Disability
  • 2003: Bristol-Myers-Squibb Tour of Hope team member, riding across the U.S. with Lance Armstrong to raise awareness for cancer clinical trial research
  • 2003: Two Silver Medals, combined road race and time trial- European Championships, Prague
  • 2002: Silver Medal, road race - World Championships, Germany

A top sales representative with Southwire Corporation, Ron’s success in the work place and in elite sport exemplifies The Hartford’s message that by focusing on an individual’s abilities instead of perceived physical limitations.

Ron works closely with The Hartford, Founding Partner of U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, helping to positively change public attitudes and perceptions about disability. To learn more about Ron, visit his website: www.ronswilliams.com.