Lena Maria

Lena Maria Klingvall, from Jonkoping, Sweden, was 20 years old when she became known to the Swedish TV-viewers through the documentary called 'Goal in Sight'. Lena Maria was born 1968 without arms and with only one healthy leg, the other one half developed. She walks with an artificial leg. The cause of her disability is unknown.

Lena Maria learned how to swim when she was only three years old. At age 18, she entered the National Swedish Games where she was granted a place in the national team. At the World Championship the same year she took two gold medals and set two world records. The highlight of her swimming career was the Paralympic Games 1988 in Seoul, South Korea.

1987-1991 Lena Maria studied at The Royal College of Music in. Since her examination she has been touring all over the world. In Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand she is most popular. Through her around 60 tours in Asia with concerts, TV, radio and media and around 50 CDs and movies she has attracted attention. Her song at the Opening Ceremony at the Paralympic Games in Nagano was truly appreciated.

Lena Maria has been an artist in the Mouth and Foot Painting Artist Association since 1990. She is also engaged in different occasions to talk about human dignity, identity and life quality.
In 1996 Lena Maria wrote a book about her life called 'Foot-Notes'. The book is translated and published in 14 different languages. Lena Maria has written a second book called 'Happy Days'.
Lena Maria was during spring 1997 and fall 1998 host for a music show in the Swedish television. 1998 she was elected as the 'Smalanning' of the year. During spring 2005 she received an Honorary Citizenship of Taiwan and in August the same year she received the 'Artur Erikson' schoolarship.
In January 2008 Lena Maria received the H.M. The King's Medal from H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf with the words: 'For prominent accomplishment as an artist and athlete and as a model for people with disabilities in Sweden and abroad.'
2009 Lena Maria held a speech at TED.com where other speakers like Bill Gates and Al Gore took part.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Lena
• Maria
• Christian