2011 Local Athlete Profile
Bill LightnerAir Force Veteran Bill Lightner first discovered the National Veterans Wheelchair Games through friends and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He fell in love with wheelchair sports, and quickly became “hooked.” But he credits his dad as his main inspiration and for involving him in wheelchair sports. After Lightner was injured in a 1987 auto accident, his father quit his job, devoted his life to helping him rehabilitate, and encouraged him to participate in wheelchair athletics. Lightner’s father passed away not long after his injury. Lightner’s proudest Games memory was his first Games in 2005 in Minneapolis. He says it’s the only one his mother ever attended. “She couldn’t believe it,” he says. That year he took home three gold and two silvers medals; since then, there hasn’t been a year he hasn’t brought home a medal, winning a total of 10 gold and three silver medals. This year will be Lightner’s seventh Games and he is signed up to compete in the air guns and the 100, 200, and 400-meter track events. He will also compete in bowling, which is his favorite sport. He fondly remembers watching his father bowl as a child and continued to bowl after his injury. He’s been training hard in the months leading up to the Games, lifting weights three times a week at the local Department of Veterans Affairs medical center, racing on his local high school track, practicing air rifle shooting, and bowling. He’s attracted a following at his local bowling alley, many of whom plan to join Lightner’s two brothers, sister, niece, and mother – who hasn’t seen him complete since 2005 – in supporting him at this year’s Games. Lightner has made many friends over the years at the Games. “I met this one guy who said, ‘If I’m not at the Games, I’m either sick in the hospital or six feet under. There’s no way I’m not going to the Games!’” “I am very excited the Games are coming to Pittsburgh. The best thing about the Games is visiting new places, seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and swapping stories.” Lightner said. |
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Reviewed/Updated Date: July 22, 2011