On March 27 and 28,  class of 2010 alum Kendall Gretsch topped the podium at the Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Twice.

Gretsch competed in the biathlon and cross-country skiing, nabbing the gold medal in both events, as well as becoming the first winter Paralympic gold medalist in the biathlon in US history. According to Team USA, Gretsch finished with a time of 21 minutes and 52 seconds in the biathlon.

“It’s very humbling to be able to represent the United States. I’m competing in an individual sport, but I love that I’m racing for my country in addition to myself,” Gretsch said. “Traveling around the world to compete also makes me appreciate where I come from and the opportunities that I’ve been lucky enough to have, being from the U.S.”

Born with spina bifida, a condition where the spinal cord fails to develop properly in the early developmental stages, Gretsch never let her condition stop her from competing and giving back to the community.

“I have a very vivid memory of traveling in Europe with Kendall when she was a member of the District 99 Honors Band. I remember that, despite her physical challenges, she was never deterred from participating fully in every activity and event associated with the tour,” band director Brayer Teague said. “I still remember her politely refusing any special assistance from our chaperones, and using her crutches to maneuver through the cobblestone streets of Europe. She inspired everyone on that tour.”

Gretsch applies the valuable skills she learned from her time spent in wind ensemble and swimming.

“Being part of the swim team and wind ensemble taught me a lot about hard work, dedication, and time management. As a student athlete and musician, I had to learn how to balance my time between schoolwork, swim practice, and band practice,” Gretsch said. “This is a lesson that has carried through to now as I balance working full time and training.”

Teague saw promise in her early at DGN.

“Kendall Gretsch was the kind of student that led quietly by example. She was always on time, totally prepared, and eager to learn,” Teague said.

Gretsch tried cross-country skiing in 2014 when she moved to Madison, Wisconsin. She only started training seriously in 2017.

“Going into my events, I tried not to put too much pressure on myself,” Gretsch said. “My main goal was to enjoy the experience and put together my best races.”

Gretsch’s favorite part of athletics is the thrill of the competition.

“I love the challenge, both physically and mentally, of competing. To be a great athlete you have to push yourself to do what you thought might not be possible,” Gretsch said. “Not every race or practice is going to be perfect, but you always have the opportunity to learn something. That’s what makes sports so exciting.”

Gretsch, by competing in the Paralympics, used the avenue she was given to encouragement other athletes with impairments.

“You should never let your disability or impairment stop you from competing. If it’s something you are passionate about, you can always find a way to adapt and compete,” Gretsch said.

Long-time friend and fellow DGN alum Elizabeth McKay speaks to Gretsch’s ability to be a difference in the lives of her peers.

“I had signed up for my first triathlon and sent her the information, and she was really excited for me and supportive and giving me advice. Keep in mind, she was in the middle of training with Team USA to go to the Olympics, so my amateur race was pretty unimportant by comparison,” McKay said. “But she made me feel like I was accomplishing something big. That’s the kind of friend she is.”