Name: Joe Hamilton
Sport: Goalball
Discipline(s):
Goalball
Classification: B1
Height: 6-4
Weight: 234
DOB: 9/6/1978
Birthplace: Wayne, Mich.
Hometown: Sacramento, Calif.
High School: Livonia Churchill High School (Livonia, Mich.) ‘97
College: Western Michigan University ‘02, English
Paralympic Experience
- Two-time Paralympian (2000, 2016), One-time medalist (1 silver)
- Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, silver
- Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, 11th
World Championship Experience
- Most recent: 2014 – bronze
- Years of Participation: Goalball – 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014
Other Career Highlights
- Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games - silver
Personal:
As an infant, Hamilton had a corneal transplant after being exposed to rubella virus in the womb. The transplant restored partial sight to his left eye but a snowboarding accident at age 12 left him totally blind. Just two years before the accident, Hamilton had been introduced to goalball at a Sports Education Camp hosted by the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes at West Michigan University. Growing up in a family that loved sports, he was excited to have found his sport. Hamilton has played goalball ever since. It has become his passion to train and share the sport with as many people as possible. ...Son of Harold and Barbara Hamilton…Has two brothers, David and Jeffrey…Enjoys listening to stand-up comedy before taking the court because the laughter keeps him relaxed and focused…Hobbies include karaoke and watching basketball…His motto is “just keep playing goalball”.
