Patti Egensteiner

Athlete – Track & Field/Goalball
Inducted 2020

As an elite world and Paralympic champion, Patti Egensteiner secured her place in the USABA and IBSA record books during 16 years of competition. She set world and Paralympic records while winning three Paralympic and 11 world medals in two sports (track & field and goalball). At the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games, she won gold medals in the long jump and 800 meters. Eight years later, at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympics, she added to her collection with a silver medal in goalball. More importantly, Egensteiner became known as an inspirational figure and role model with a tireless work ethic to many fellow athletes, coaches and volunteers around the world. She developed youth programs in Chicago, was part of a grassroots development program in Morocco, presented numerous workshops to adapted PE teachers in New York City, and spearheaded the U.S. team’s interaction with a local school in Sydney, Australia. As a 35-year veteran teacher in NYC, Egensteiner has been a positive example of success in the workplace for blind/visually impaired individuals.