Marcus 'Flash' Johnson was a three-time Paralympic gold medalist in track and field who redefined what's possible after a spinal cord injury. After a car accident at age 19 left him paralyzed, he became the fastest wheelchair racer in the world. Beyond athletics, he founded Wheels of Hope, providing adaptive sports equipment to 5,000+ disabled youth worldwide.
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Marcus 'Flash' Andre Johnson
1985 - 2024
FlashMarcus the Magnificent
Color
💜lavender
🐻bear
🌱
Origins
The beginning of a beautiful journey
Birthplace
Houston, Texas
Heritage
African American
Parents
Andre Johnson (Father - Truck driver)
Gloria Johnson (Mother - Hospital administrator)
Early Life
Marcus was a high school track star in Houston, destined for college scholarships. At 19, a drunk driver hit his car, severing his spinal cord. Doctors said he'd never walk again. For months, he spiraled into depression. Then a Paralympic athlete visited his hospital room and said, 'Your legs don't work. So what? Your heart still does.' That changed everything.
Jun 14, 2004
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Journey
A life of learning and achievement
Education
Kinesiology degree from University of Texas (2009), studied while training for Paralympics.
Career
Marcus competed in three Paralympics (2008, 2012, 2016), winning 3 golds and 2 silvers in 100m, 400m, and 4x400m relay. He set two world records that still stand. After retiring, he founded Wheels of Hope (2017), donating racing wheelchairs and adaptive equipment to disabled youth who couldn't afford them. 5,000+ kids across 40 countries received equipment.
Life Achievements
3 Paralympic gold medals
2 Paralympic silver medals
2 world records (still standing)
Founded Wheels of Hope (2017)
Provided adaptive equipment to 5,000+ youth globally
ESPN ESPY Award for Best Male Athlete with a Disability (2016)
Jun 21, 2017
❤️
Heart
Bonds of love and friendship
Life Partner
Jasmine Lee (Wife - Occupational therapist)
Children
Andre Johnson Jr. (Son, Age 12)
Maya Johnson (Daughter, Age 9)
Siblings
Tasha Johnson-Williams (Sister - Physical therapist)
Closest Friends
Tatyana McFadden (Fellow Paralympic athlete)
Team USA wheelchair racing squad
Mentors
Jean Driscoll (Wheelchair racing legend)
Communities
Team USA Paralympic Track & Field
Wheels of Hope Foundation
Adaptive Sports Network
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Passions
What brought joy and meaning
Passions
Wheelchair racing
Youth advocacy
Adaptive sports
Hip-hop music
Motivational speaking
Favorite Music
Tupac
Kendrick Lamar
Jay-Z
Nipsey Hussle
Favorite Books
Unbroken
The Obstacle Is the Way
Born to Run
🌟
Legacy
Wisdom and lessons that endure
Core Values
Ability over disability
Sports change lives
Never quit
Give back
Lessons Taught
Disability doesn't define you
Sports build confidence and community
Use your platform for others
Memorable Quotes
A wheelchair didn't stop me. It gave me wings.
I'm not disabled. I'm differently abled. And I'm faster than you.
Every kid deserves the chance to fly, roll, or soar—whatever their version looks like.
✨
Essence
The spirit that remains
🦋
Spirit Animal
bear
🌸
Associated Flower
lavender
🎨
Associated Color
gold
Personal Mantra
No excuses. No limits.
Favorite Quote
A wheelchair didn't stop me. It gave me wings.
Messages to Future Generations
Your body may not work the way society expects. So what? Find what you CAN do and do it with everything you've got. Don't let anyone put limits on you. And when you succeed, reach back and lift someone else up.
Connected Songs
All I Do Is Win - DJ Khaled
♾️
Eternal
Forever in our hearts
Nov 18, 2020
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Video Memories
Moving moments captured
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Tributes
Heartfelt tributes from family and friends
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