LuskinOIC and Ezra Frech have a Long History.
Just over ten years ago, I received a call from Clayton Frech, a parent of one of Dr. Scaduto’s patients. He asked if Dr. Scaduto and I would meet with him so he could share his vision for the creation of an adaptive sports program.
His son, Ezra, was born with limb differences and Clayton realized that many kids like his son Ezra didn’t have enough access to sports.
Clayton Frech laid out a clear business plan and asked for LuskinOIC’s support. AlthoughWhile we are not the largest sponsor of Angel City Sports, we’ve proudly supported its mission, one we share everyday:, to kids of all abilities and backgrounds.
In just a decade, Angel City Sports (ACS) has become the largest adaptive sports program on the West Coast, offering 200 sports clinics annually through 25 sports.
While Clayton and Ezra were building ACS, Ezra was determinedly preparing to become an elite para- athlete. At age 16, he was one of the youngest members of Team USA to compete at the Tokyo Paralympic games, and did well for his first competition. Since then, he graduated from high school, took a gap year to prepare for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, announced he would be the first disabled athlete to join the USC Track & Field team this fall, and even walked a number of runways as a model, but mostly, he trained for three competitions in Paris: - high jump, long jump, and 100m run.
Ezra has inspired countless disabled athletes of all ages with his focus, compassion, and self confidence. He’s never let his limb differences stand in the way of his goals.
LuskinOIC will follow his progress at the Paralympics and share his journey as the games unfold…
About the 2024 Paralympics
This is Paris’ first time hosting the Paralympics and the city is still buzzing from the Olympics last month.
Some 4,400 disabled athletes from 168 countries will compete in over 100 sports. Ezra’s track and field competitions will be held at the 70,000-seat Stad de France.
Day 1 - Long Jump Finale
The nearly sold- out crowd is raucous. Ezra faces stiff competition. Each athlete is allowed several jumps, with their best score standing. Ezra’s first two jumps feel more like he’s warming up and becoming comfortable with the track. Sadly, during each of his remaining jumps, Ezra had a foot fault. Had he not faulted on his last attempt, he would have earned a bronze medal— but that’s the nature of sports.
After the meet, he’s upbeat and focused on tomorrow’s 100 meter preliminary round.
Day 2 - 100 Meter Preliminary Round
A total of 12 runners in Ezra’s class will compete in two races. The top six scores advance to tomorrow’s final.
Ezra had a bit of a slow start, but picked up his pace and finished third in his group.
Only one runner in the second group had a faster time than Ezra, putting him in fourth. He’s onto tomorrow’s final and it should be very close.
After the race, Ezra is confident, winking at the NBC camera that’s following him.
Day 3 - 100 Meter Finals
It’s a full house at Stad de France tonight. Ezra’s family seems anxious. He’s never medaled, so will this be his night??!
He’s second from the far end of the inner track. The only runner to his right sprints to the lead;, the defending champion is on his immediate right. At the 40m mark, Ezra kicks into high gear, blowing past the men on either side of him. He stretches at the end. He WINS the gold medal!
This wasn’t perhaps as stunning an upset as it seems for most of those in the know within para track and field. They have witnessed Ezra growing and becoming stronger. It was only a matter of time, and tonight was the night!
Ezra has taken the podium. The Stars and Stripes l flag stands atop the others. The national anthem of the United States of America has played. He hugs his two brothers and parents. It’s sheer joy. This young man’s commitment to training has paid off.
But now it’s time to retreat to the athletes’ village for lots of recovery, a good meal, and a warm bed. For tomorrow is Ezra’s favorite event: The high jump!
Day 4 - High Jump Final
We are incredibly proud of our patient ambassador Ezra Frech for winning gold in both the 100m and High Jump events!
