Ezra Frech Bio: Age, Family, Paralympic, Records & Life Story
Ezra Frech is an American Paralympic track and field athlete, disability advocate, motivational speaker, and model. He competes internationally in the T63 100-meter, long jump, and high jump events.
Born with congenital limb differences, Frech began using a prosthetic leg during infancy. However, his physical differences never stopped him from pursuing competitive sports.
Over the years, he developed into one of America’s most recognizable young Paralympic athletes. His achievements include two Paralympic gold medals, world records, and major international titles.
Moreover, Frech has used his platform to promote adaptive sports and disability inclusion. He also co-founded Angel City Sports with his family.
In 2026, Frech expanded his public profile again by joining Dancing with the Stars season 35. He is set to compete alongside professional dancer Daniella Karagach.
Who Is Ezra Frech?
Ezra Frech is a Los Angeles-born American Paralympic athlete. He specializes in sprinting and jumping events within the T63 classification.
Team USA lists Frech as a two-time Paralympian and two-time Paralympic gold medalist. His major specialties include the 100 meters, high jump, and long jump.
Frech became internationally recognized after competing at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. He later reached a new level at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
There, he won gold in both the men’s T63 100 meters and high jump. He also finished fifth in the long jump.
His career therefore combines athletic excellence with disability advocacy.
Ezra Frech Age and Birth
Ezra Frech was born on May 11, 2005, in Los Angeles, California. His parents are Clayton Frech and Bahar Soomekh.
As of September 2026, Ezra Frech is 21 years old.
He grew up in Los Angeles and developed a strong interest in sports from childhood. Basketball initially became one of his favorite sports.
He also played soccer, baseball, flag football, and karate while growing up. His competitive personality encouraged him to participate alongside athletes without disabilities.
Ezra Frech’s Disability and Early Life
Frech was born with congenital limb differences affecting his left leg and left hand.
He lacked his left fibula and knee and had only one finger on his left hand. His family supported him through early surgeries and prosthetic care.
Frech received his first prosthetic leg when he was just 11 months old. Doctors later amputated his left leg at age two.
He also underwent surgery that involved transferring his big toe to his left hand. The procedure helped improve hand function and prosthetic fitting.
Despite these challenges, Frech embraced physical activity at an early age. He began using a running blade when he was around four years old.
His family also introduced him to adaptive sports communities. Consequently, he learned early that disability did not need to limit his ambitions.
Ezra Frech’s Parents and Family
Ezra Frech’s parents are Clayton Frech and Bahar Soomekh. His family played an important role in his athletic development.
His father, Clayton, helped create opportunities for adaptive athletes in Southern California. The family became involved in adaptive sports after seeing limited opportunities close to home.
In 2013, Clayton and Ezra attended the Endeavor Games in Oklahoma City. They wondered why Southern California lacked similar adaptive sporting opportunities.
That question eventually inspired the creation of Angel City Sports.
The organization now provides adaptive sports opportunities for children, adults, and veterans. It has also helped thousands of athletes experience sports and competition.
Ezra Frech’s Education
Frech attends the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles.
He competes for the USC track and field program while continuing his elite athletic career. He studies Business of Cinematic Arts at the university.
His college journey represents another important milestone.
Frech became the first above-the-knee amputee recruited to an NCAA Division I track and field program.
This achievement helped challenge traditional ideas about disability and collegiate athletics.
Ezra Frech’s Paralympic Career
Frech’s international journey began at a young age.
He first competed in track and field at an adaptive competition when he was eight. At 14, he joined Team USA for international competition.
In 2019, Frech competed at the World Para Athletics Junior Championships. He won two gold medals and one bronze medal during that competition.
He later qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. At just 16, he became one of the youngest athletes on the U.S. Paralympic team.
At Tokyo, Frech finished fifth in the high jump and eighth in the long jump.
Those results gave him valuable experience before his breakthrough in Paris.
Ezra Frech at the Paris 2024 Paralympics
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games marked the biggest breakthrough of Frech’s career.
He entered the Games as a major contender in the T63 jumping events. His preparation followed several impressive performances at world-level competitions.
On September 2, 2024, Frech won the men’s T63 100-meter final.
He recorded a time of 12.06 seconds, edging Denmark’s Daniel Wagner by 0.02 seconds.
The victory gave Frech his first Paralympic gold medal.
The following day, he won another gold medal in the T63 high jump. He cleared 1.94 meters, setting a new Paralympic record.
Frech also competed in the T63 long jump. He finished fifth with a best jump of 6.58 meters.
Therefore, Paris established Frech as a two-time Paralympic champion.
Ezra Frech’s World Records and Athletic Achievements
Frech has achieved several major milestones beyond the Paralympic Games.
At the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships, he won his first world title in the T63 high jump. He also broke the world record twice during the competition.
His world-record clearance reached 1.95 meters.
Official Para Athletics records list Frech’s T63 high jump world record at 1.95 meters.
His athletic profile also includes a long jump personal best of 7.05 meters.
These achievements demonstrate his versatility across sprinting and jumping events.
Ezra Frech’s Disability Advocacy
Frech’s influence extends beyond athletics.
He has become an important voice for disability rights, adaptive sports, and Paralympic representation.
Through Angel City Sports, he works to create more opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities. The organization offers sports programs, clinics, equipment, and competitive experiences.
Frech also helps other above-knee amputees learn how to run.
His advocacy focuses on changing perceptions surrounding disability. He wants society to recognize disabled people for their abilities rather than their limitations.
Furthermore, his public appearances help introduce Paralympic sport to broader audiences.
What Is Angel City Sports?
Angel City Sports is an adaptive sports organization connected closely to Frech’s family.
The organization began after Clayton and Ezra identified the lack of adaptive sports programs in Southern California. They launched the Angel City Games in partnership with UCLA Recreation.
The first Angel City Games took place in 2015. The event initially featured track and field and wheelchair basketball.
Since then, Angel City Sports has expanded its programs significantly.
The organization now supports athletes across different adaptive sports. It also works with youth, adults, veterans, and people with physical disabilities or visual impairments.
For Frech, this work forms an important part of his long-term legacy.
Ezra Frech as a Motivational Speaker and Model
Frech has also built a career outside competitive athletics.
He works as a motivational speaker, disability advocate, and model. His personal story gives him a powerful platform for discussing perseverance and inclusion.
His message focuses on possibility rather than limitation.
Through speaking engagements and media appearances, Frech encourages people to challenge assumptions about disability.
He has also worked with organizations seeking greater representation for disabled people.
His combination of athletic success and advocacy has helped him reach audiences beyond traditional sports fans.
Ezra Frech and Dancing with the Stars
In 2026, Frech entered a completely different competitive environment.
He joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars season 35, partnering with professional dancer Daniella Karagach. The season premieres in September 2026.
The appearance represents another opportunity for Frech to showcase adaptive movement.
He has described the experience as a way to step outside his comfort zone. He also sees dance training as useful preparation for his future athletic goals.
Interestingly, the 2026 season features both Paralympic and Olympic champions.
Frech therefore brings a unique athletic perspective to the ballroom.
What Is Ezra Frech’s Goal for 2028?
Frech continues to look toward the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
The upcoming Games carry special significance because Los Angeles represents his hometown.
His current athletic ambitions include continuing to improve in sprinting and jumping. At the same time, he wants to use his platform to expand disability representation.
His 2026 appearance on Dancing with the Stars adds another dimension to that mission. He can introduce adaptive athletics to millions of viewers through mainstream entertainment.
Ezra Frech’s Awards and Recognition
Frech has earned recognition for both athletic and community achievements.
He became a two-time Paralympic gold medalist after his Paris 2024 victories.
He also became a world champion and world-record holder in Para athletics.
In 2025, Team USA recognized Frech as a Community Champion through its partnership with Comcast.
The honor recognized his commitment to nonprofit work and adaptive sports.
His achievements show that his influence reaches far beyond medals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra Frech
How old is Ezra Frech?
Ezra Frech is 21 years old as of September 2026. He was born on May 11, 2005, in Los Angeles, California.
What disability does Ezra Frech have?
Frech was born with congenital limb differences. He lacked his left knee and fibula and had limited fingers on his left hand.
How many Paralympic gold medals does Ezra Frech have?
Ezra Frech has two Paralympic gold medals. He won both medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
What events does Ezra Frech compete in?
Frech competes in the 100 meters, high jump, and long jump in the T63 classification.
What did Ezra Frech win at the Paris 2024 Paralympics?
He won gold in the men’s T63 100 meters and high jump. He finished fifth in the long jump.
Is Ezra Frech a world-record holder?
Yes. Frech holds the T63 high jump world record at 1.95 meters.
Where does Ezra Frech go to college?
Frech attends the University of Southern California. He competes on the USC track and field team and studies Business of Cinematic Arts.
Who are Ezra Frech’s parents?
His parents are Clayton Frech and Bahar Soomekh. His family has strongly supported his athletic and advocacy work.
Is Ezra Frech on Dancing with the Stars?
Yes. Frech joins the cast of Dancing with the Stars season 35 in 2026. He competes with professional dancer Daniella Karagach.
Final Thoughts on Ezra Frech
Ezra Frech has transformed personal challenges into a remarkable athletic and advocacy career.
His journey began with adaptive sports during childhood. It later developed into international competition and Paralympic success.
Today, Frech stands among America’s prominent young Paralympic athletes.
His two gold medals at Paris 2024 represent only one part of his story. His work with Angel City Sports also creates opportunities for future generations.
Meanwhile, his world-record performances continue to raise expectations in Para athletics.
As he prepares for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Frech has another opportunity to inspire athletes worldwide.
His growing entertainment career could also bring disability representation to an even wider audience.
Ultimately, Ezra Frech’s story combines elite sport, resilience, advocacy, and a commitment to inclusion. His influence may therefore extend well beyond the track.
