| Laura Schwanger | |
| Sport: | Paralympic athletics Adaptive rowing |
| Disability: | Multiple sclerosis |
| Disability Class: | F53 |
| Event: | Pentathlon Javelin throw Discus throw Shot put |
| Birth Place: | Philadelphia, United States |
| Alma Mater: | Rowan College Immaculata College |
Laura Gene Schwanger (born 1958[1]) is a retired American Paralympic athlete and adaptive rower. She has competed at three Paralympic Games in track and field and returned twelve years later to compete in rowing at the 2008 Summer Paralympics. She is a four time Paralympic champion including six silver medals and one bronze medal in athletics and won a bronze medal in rowing.[2] [3]
After graduating from Washington Township High School, New Jersey in 1977, Schwanger joined the United States Army and became a meteorological observer.[4] She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1981 while on active duty.
She took up athletics soon after then retired after the 1996 Summer Paralympics, she took up rowing in later 2006 after receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.[5] [6]
She studied physical education at Glassboro State College, which became Rowan College during her time there. She earned a master's degree in counseling and psychology at Immaculata College.