Launching the Cannonball - The Shot Put with Assunta Legnante

Did you know that some amazing athletes have competed in both the Olympics and the Paralympics? Assunta Legnante, an Italian shot putter, has done just that by competing in the 2008 Olympics and the 2012 Summer Paralympics. 




Legnante was born in 1978 with congenital glaucoma in both of her eyes. Knowing that her sight would deteriorate, the 6’2” Legnante worked hard training to be a shot putter. Her skills as a shot putter were so strong that she was able to compete in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. She previously qualified to compete in the 2004 Olympics, but was unable to do so due to far too high levels of intraocular pressure (fluid pressure inside the eye). 



In 2009, however, she lost sight in her right eye, which was the better of her two eyes, and then her left eye started to deteriorate as well. Now, Legnante can still perceive light through her left eye. However, that is the extent of her vision, so she is considered legally blind.



Even with Legnante’s significant vision impairment, she went on to compete in the 2012 Paralympics in Turin and set a F11 shot put world record with a throw of 13.27 meters. Impressive!!


If you, or someone you know, is an American with  a visual disability, and is collecting SSI or SSDI, but wants to work, we want to talk to you as we could help you return to work. All you have to do is reach out to us at www.nticentral.org/apply to get started.

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