Gerd Schönfelder (born 2 September 1970 in Kulmain) is a German para-alpine skier, one of the most decorated in the sport's history.
Gerd Schönfelder was born as the middle of three children; he has an older sister as well as a younger brother. During his youth he already did many types of sports, including skiing. However, prior to his accident he never had interest making a career out of it.
On September 11 1989, Schönfelder tried to catch a train in Hersbruck who was already leaving the station. Back then it was still possible to open the doors while it was driving. However, due to holding his jacket in his left hand, he wasn't able to get in. While making every attempt to open the door, Schönfelder stumbled, his right leg was stuck between the wagons and he got dragged below the train. He ducked, but due to him lying on the shoulder and his left hand laying on the rails by accident, he was hit by the train's bottom. In spite of his severe injuries, he got up by himself and was taken to the hospital in Erlangen. The doctors were able to save his life, however, they forced to amputate both his right arm (including the shoulder) and all fingers of his left hand safe for the thumb. Even though it seemed like he could do nothing by himself anymore, his friends helped him to find joy in life again, they even would build a motorcycle he could use with the remainder of his hand. He also played soccer and eventually got into skiing. Eventually he heard of the Paralympics and due to his young age, he decided to make it a career. Also, in early 1991, through an operation, his left toe was transplanted on his hand, so that he could grab things again and manage life by himself.
Schönfelder won his first three gold medals at the 1992 Winter Paralympics.[1] He has won an overall of sixteen gold medals at the Winter Paralympics, including four gold medals at the Salt Lake 2002 Games as well as four gold medals at the Vancouver 2010 Games[2] [3] and has won 22 Paralympic medals in his career. For his performance at the 2010 Games Schonfelder was won Best Male at the Paralympic Sports Awards.[4]
He retired from skiing in January 2011.[5] [6]