Para Sailor Spotlight - Q&A with Jim Thweatt

Jim Thweatt [pronounced Tweet!] has represented the USA many times, including several Paralympic Sonar Campaigns and at the Para Worlds in the Hansa 303. He is a single below knee amputee and is a very active participant of the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors Sailing club in San Francisco,  and lives a short distance away in West Sacramento, California. When he isn’t out on the water, Jim is a physical therapist, a role that has enabled him to work as a Classifier – and part of a Medical Team who determines if the athletes are eligible to compete in Paralympic Sports.

Jim says that representing your country is something incredibly special, and believes if Para Sailing is reinstated at the Games, the opportunities for the next generation of Para Sailors will be huge.

Why do you think Para Sailing is unique? 

Para Sailing is very unique as it allows everybody with any type of disability to compete in local, national and international racing. It is inclusive of every type of disability. For example, we have people that can’t move their arms, legs, feet and they actually can pilot a sailboat, managing both the sails and the steering with just a joystick.

When you look back at your career, what do you consider to be your biggest achievement so far? 

Well, I was a competitor in downhill ski racing in the 1970s and 80s, and I lived in Southern California. In skiing I was the second fastest American in the downhill in 1980. And then in sailing, I made the U.S. Para Sailing team from 2008 to 2012. So, I consider those to be my biggest achievements.

Who’s been your biggest supporter? 

My biggest supporter? Obviously it’s going to be my wife! She allows me to take off and do these events and to support sailing to the greatest extent I can.

What’s your biggest strength? 

My biggest strength is probably my passion and understanding of sailing, and the adaptability of the sport through my knowledge of being a physical therapist.

What would it mean to you if sailing was re-established as a Paralympic sport? 

Well, if Para Sailing is re-established, I believe that we will have a whole new generation of people who will have a new appreciation of the sport, thanks to the exposure that is available through Para Sailing events.

You’ve represented your country many times. What does that mean to you? 

Representing your country is pretty special. I think that every person who has that opportunity sees it in a different light. But for me, it’s very emotional. Through sports participants and athletes with disabilities develop a positive self identity for themselves and change the perceptions of others.