In competing at four Paralympics over 12 years, James Terpenning went from the swimming pool to the volleyball court.
The 41-year-old Beavercreek man won a gold medal in the relay and a bronze medal in the 100-meter backstroke in the 1988 Paralympics and swam in the 1992 Paralympics as well. Then he switched to sitting volleyball for the Paralympics in 1996 and 2000.
"It was pretty awesome", Terpenning recalled of his medal-winning experience. "You got to represent the United States, receiving the medals-especially the gold-and listening to the national anthem being played. You can't ask for anything more than that".
While at Wright State, Terpenning played on the basketball club team and worked for Disability Services and Campus Recreation. He graduated in 1998 with a major in human resource management.
Today, Terpenning works in computer support for the Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The father of four also goes into the schools and does wheelchair exhibitions and presentations, putting students and teachers in wheelchairs to educate them about what it is like to play wheelchair sports.
Terpenning also tries to inspire people with disabilities.
"Being disabled doesn't mean you are actually disabled", he said. "My goal is to teach them how to adjust to their disability and that there are resources out there to help them. Even with a disability, you are able to do whatever you want to do".
In August 2009, Terpenning and his family were surprised with a new 3,300-square-foot disability-accessible house thanks to ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. An estimated 8,000 supporters turned out for the unveiling.
"It was a pretty cool experience", Terpenning said. "I was amazed at how much I actually touched the lives in the community. I just go out and do my job, take care of people, and don't expect anything in return".
