TwitterRon Hawthorne

Sport: Paralympic Judo
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 60kg
Classification: Optic Nerve Atrophy (B3)
DOB: February 18, 1986
Current Residence: Chicago, IL

Paralympic Experience:

  • 2012 Paralympic Games

Personal Profile:

Ron lives and trains as a full-time athlete in Chicago. He has had an interest in grappling since grade school and wrestled Free Style for F. L. Schlagle High School from his freshmen through senior years. During this period, he was a 3-time state qualifier.

Ron first represented the United States at the 2006 IBSA World Student & Youth Games were he won a bronze medal in judo. He went on to win multiple gold medals in various domestic and international events. Ron competed in the 2012 London Paralympic Games where he placed 7th overall. To prepare for international events, Ron trains daily and competes in national able-bodied tournaments.

He also enjoys motivational speaking and listening to music.

Major Judo Awards:

  • 2019: German Open for the Blind & Visually Impaired - Gold
  • 2018: USA Judo National Championships for Blind and Visually Impaired - Gold
  • 2018: German Open for the Blind & Visually Impaired - Bronze
  • 2017: All Japan Championships for the Blind & Visually Impaired - Bronze
  • 2017: IBSA Pan American Championships - Gold
  • 2017: IBSA Grand Prix, Astana - Silver
  • 2013: Brazil International Judo Championships, San Paulo, Brazil - Bronze
  • 2012: Paralympic Games, London, United Kingdom - 7th Place
  • 2012: Pajulahti Games, Nastola, Finland - Gold
  • 2011 Bronze medalist, Para Pan American Games, Guadalajara, Mexico
  • 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013: USA National Judo Championships for the Blind & Visually Impaired - Gold