Jack Whitman

Lore & Background

Jack Whitman was raised on a farm in Galesburg, Illinois, and attended Galesburg High School, where he played football and track athletics, graduating in 1948. After graduating, he attended the University of Illinois in 1949, where he became paralyzed in an accident while competing on the gymnastics team. He returned to the University of Illinois in 1952. Whitman took up archery after a neighbor provided him with a bow and arrow in 1960.

Whitman participated in the 1960 Summer Paralympics, competing in the first archery competition at the Paralympic Games. He was awarded the gold medal in the men's FITA round open event with a score of 829 points, and also won gold in the men's Windsor round open event with 800 points. He also participated in the first dartchery competition at the Paralympic Games, winning gold in the mixed pairs open event with athlete Wayne Broeren.

At the 1964 Summer Paralympics, Whitman competed in the men's albion round open, finishing fourth with 759 points. He won gold medals in both the albion round team open (scoring 2253 points with Dick Robinson and Dean Slaugh) and the FITA round team open (with Jim Mathis and Dean Slaugh).

Reader's Guide

Jack Whitman's significance lies in his participation in the inaugural archery and dartchery competitions at the Paralympic Games, where he won multiple gold medals. His achievements at the 1960 Summer Paralympics, including gold in the men's FITA round open and Windsor round open, established him as a foundational figure in Paralympic archery. His gold medal in the mixed pairs dartchery event alongside Wayne Broeren further highlights his versatility. At the 1964 Summer Paralympics, Whitman continued his success by winning gold in both the albion round team open and FITA round team open events, demonstrating his ability to perform in team settings. His induction into the United States Wheelchair Sports Hall of Fame in 1971 recognizes his contributions to wheelchair sports. Whitman's legacy is tied to the early development of Paralympic archery and dartchery, and his scores from these competitions remain part of the historical record of the Games.

Did You Know?

• Jack Whitman became paralyzed in an accident while competing on the gymnastics team at the University of Illinois in 1949.
• He took up archery in 1960 after a neighbor provided him with a bow and arrow.
• Whitman scored 829 points in the men's FITA round open event at the 1960 Summer Paralympics.