Melissa Stockwell announced as SUU Commencement speaker
By Rachelle Hughes
Veteran and three-time world champion paratriathlete and paralympic medalist Melissa Stockwell will address Southern Utah University’s class of 2019 as the keynote speaker for the university’s 120th annual SUU Commencement ceremony May 3 at 9 a.m. in the America First Event Center in Cedar City.
“We’re honored at the opportunity to have a military veteran and paratriathlete share her story at this year’s graduation.” said Mindy Benson, vice president of alumni and community relations. “Melissa’s compelling story about overcoming difficult circumstances and obstacles will help inspire our graduates to accomplish anything they set their minds to as they go out into the world.”
In 2002, Stockwell graduated from the University of Colorado and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. Her service began in March 2004 when she was deployed to Baghdad.
Three weeks after Stockwell’s deployment, a blast from a roadside bomb struck her Humvee. causing the loss of her left leg above the knee. After numerous surgeries and infections, Stockwell was medically retired from the army.
Following her military career, Stockwell focused on becoming an athlete. In April of 2008, she became the first Iraqi War veteran to qualify for the Paralympics, where she competed in three swimming events and was chosen by her fellow Team USA members to carry the American flag during the closing ceremonies in Beijing. She says she is proud to have served her country as a member of the U.S. Army and as part of Team USA. On Sept. 11, 2016, Stockwell returned to compete in the Rio Paralympics as a triathlete in honor of her fellow soldiers and their families. After a grueling race, she ended the day on the podium as a bronze medalist.
Stockwell has spent many years competing in paratriathlons and is now a three-time world champion. She was named USA Triathlon’s female Paratriathlete of the Year for two consecutive years and is a two-time nominee for an Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award. She recently completed her first Ironman in 2013.
Giving back to those who face similar challenges has become part of Stockwell’s mission. In 2007, Stockwell completed the prosthetic practitioner program at Century College in Minnesota where she learned to fit other amputees with artificial limbs. She also helps others with disabilities enjoy the triathlon sport as a level-one certified coach and co-founder of the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club.
Stockwell’s story has been featured in countless media outlets such as People, Sports Illustrated, The Chicago Tribune, and Triathlon Magazine. She was also featured in the documentary “From Baghdad to Beijing,” which chronicled Stockwell and three other wounded veterans’ journeys from Baghdad to the Paralympics.
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