JED
ALTSCHWAGER
Paralympic Rower & Inspirational Athlete
2018 & 2019 - Silver medals at the World Rowing Championships (PR3 Men's Pair).
2023 - Gold medal at the World Rowing Championships (PR3 Mixed Double Sculls) with Nikki Ayers.
2023 - Named World Rowing Para Crew of the Year alongside Nikki Ayers.
2024 - Aiming for gold at the Paris Paralympics.
ABOUT JED
Jed Altschwager is a celebrated Australian Paralympic rower, known for his determination, resilience, and success in adaptive sports. Born on September 12, 1986, Jed’s life took a significant turn in 2015 when he suffered a devastating workplace accident, resulting in the loss of his left leg below the knee. Despite the life-changing injury, Jed’s story is one of triumph over adversity, marked by his transition into Paralympic rowing and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
THE ACCIDENT & RECOVERY
In 2015, Jed was involved in a severe accident while working with an excavator. The incident resulted in his foot being severely crushed, leading to the amputation of his lower leg. Following a challenging rehabilitation process, Jed embraced a mindset of gratitude and determination. His journey to recovery was bolstered by his family, including his wife Jessica and their two young children, Wolf and Aspen. Jed’s perseverance led him to discover a new passion—rowing.
CAREER IN ROWING
Jed’s foray into rowing began in 2017, after being noticed by Paralympics Australia’s Talent Identification program while training on a rowing machine. His natural affinity for the sport quickly became apparent, and he made his international debut at the 2018 World Rowing Championships, securing a silver medal in the PR3 Men's Pair. Jed continued to excel, winning another silver medal at the 2019 World Championships.
In 2023, Jed teamed up with Nikki Ayers in the PR3 Mixed Double Sculls, and the duo enjoyed a breakthrough year, setting world records and winning gold at the World Rowing Championships in Belgrade. Their outstanding performance earned them the title of World Rowing Para Crew of the Year, and they are now focused on achieving success at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Career Highlights
2018 & 2019
(PR3 Men's Pair)
Silver medals at the World Rowing Championships.
2023
(PR3 Mixed Double Sculls)
Gold medal at the World Rowing Championships with Nikki Ayers.
2023
Named World Rowing Para Crew of the Year alongside Nikki Ayers.
2024
Aiming for Gold at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
BEYOND ROWING
Apart from his achievements on the water, Jed is a passionate advocate for mental health and disability awareness. He uses his platform to inspire others, particularly those facing similar challenges. Jed also models for adaptive clothing brands, showcasing his belief that disability should never compromise style or functionality.
Jed’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and a positive mindset. He continues to inspire others with his journey from a traumatic accident to becoming a world-class athlete, proving that with determination, anything is possible.
PERSONAL LIFE
Jed lives in Adelaide, South Australia, where he trains and competes. He remains dedicated to his family, his sport, and his advocacy work, continuing to break barriers and set new standards in Paralympic rowing and beyond.