Bristol County teen powers through to win several gold medals at national para-sports competition in Alabama

Hoover, AL – A Taunton teen continues to power through both literally and figuratively.

15-year-old Mary MacDonald of Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical High School claimed 7 gold medals in multiple sports and events at Move United’s Hartford Nationals, the largest and longest-standing national sport championship event for athletes with a physical disability, visual impairment, and/or intellectual disability.

MacDonald shattered the previous rookie para powerlifting record with a bench press of 50kg at the competition held in Hoover, Alabama.

Her father, William Glass, states that MacDonald’s performance not only secured her first national gold, in her first national event, but also broke the previous record of 37kg, which had stood for two years. MacDonald, who began training in March at Work Out World/Redwood Training in Taunton, won a gold medal for best lift of 50kg as well as total lift of 92kg.

MacDonald also set personal bests with gold medal performances in Track & Field for the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and shot-put.

To qualify for the Hartford Nationals, athletes must compete in local events. If they qualify, they are able to compete in a regional competition. If the athlete qualifies at the regional level, they head to nationals.

“This victory is the result of hard work, determination and I am extremely appreciative for all the support I have received from my coaches, teammates and family.” MacDonald said after her wins. “Last year I received a racing chair from Achilles International, I trained with Adaptive Sports New England and Hospital for Special Care in Connecticut. This all stems from when I said, at five years old, I wanted to represent Team USA. I am closer than ever to reaching my goal. I will enjoy this victory and then I will get back in the gym. I am excited to see what is in store for me. I will continue representing the female para sport community, advocating for inclusive sports programs and showing the world that disability does not define a person.”

Dad states that MacDonald studies Digital and Visual Communications as a sophomore at the Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical High School in Taunton Massachusetts. She has been participating recreationally as a para-sports athlete since she was 5 years old. Her favorite sports include Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Curling, Wheelchair Tennis, Adaptive Track and Field, and Para Powerlifting. MacDonald began her athletic career at Taunton High School in the 8th grade on the track team.

MacDonald has many other interests outside of athletics including arts, theater, and disability advocacy. MacDonald is also the winner of the 2021 National Miss Amazing pre-teen.