The Adaptive Athlete - Part 1: Wheelchair Tennis Pioneers
Explore wheelchair tennis’ inspiring history, champions, and progress as we celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.
Brad Parks in Action (1985) by Wendy ParksInternational Tennis Hall of Fame
Wheelchair tennis began in 1976
One of the most popular para-sports in the world, wheelchair tennis began when Brad Parks (ITHF Class of 2010) combined tennis with his rehabilitation following a paralyzing skiing accident.
Brad Parks, 'The Godfather' of wheelchair tennis
“I was sitting in the hospital, thinking, what am I going to do now? I knew I had to make the best of the situation. I started thinking, ‘I wonder if you can play tennis in a wheelchair?’”- Brad Parks
Brad Parks' tennis wheelchair from the 1980s
Inspired by the possibilities, Parks and recreation therapist Jeff Minnebraker developed a custom wheelchair to better maneuver on the court. Their design, based on standard hospital chairs, was heavy and challenging to maneuver during athletic pursuits.
In 1977, the Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department held the first-ever wheelchair tennis tournament, won by Brad Parks. Parks served as the sport’s ambassador. He ran clinics and match demonstrations, enlisting top international tennis players to bring attention to the new para-sport. As wheelchair tennis spread from the West Coast, across the United States, and internationally, it offered new opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The US Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships
As the sport grew, the inaugural US Open Wheelchair Tennis Championship was held in Irvine, California, in 1980. Brad Parks won the first title. A new era of competitive play began with an ever-widening pool of elite players.
Governing bodies provided structure for wheelchair tennis
In 1980, Brad Parks co-founded the National Foundation of Wheelchair Tennis (NFWT) to help govern and expand the sport. The International Wheelchair Tennis Federation (IWTF) was formed in 1988 to grow the sport further globally and standardize rules.
International Wheelchair Tennis Federation (IWTF)
The formation of the IWTF in 1988 established an international ranking system to further formalize the sport. The same year, the IWTF also officially adopted the two-bounce rule.
The Two-Bounce Rule: In wheelchair tennis, the ball may bounce twice, with only the first bounce needing to land in the regulation court of play, before the player returns the ball.
Wheelchair tennis player Randy Snow (1980/1985) by Donna JuddInternational Tennis Hall of Fame
Randy Snow: talented athlete and disability advocate
Following a farming accident in 1975 at only 16 years old, Randy Snow (ITHF Class of 2012) turned to wheelchair tennis to find a new purpose. Snow became one of the early stars of the tour, winning the US Open 10 times along with several Paralympic medals.
Randy Snow's philosophy
“Wheelchair tennis taught me how to adapt; it taught me how to compete with myself, not to compare. [It] is not about forehands and backhands, trophies and money—it's about taking a risk, looking at what you can do, and getting outside your comfort zone." - Randy Snow
Randy Snow's tennis wheelchair
Randy Snow used this Shadow by Quickie wheelchair during the 1990s. The design of tennis wheelchairs had evolved, with the wheels now at an angle to help with balance and maneuverability during competition.
Randy Snow and Brad Parks Shake Hands (1980/1990) by International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF)International Tennis Hall of Fame
A legendary rivalry and partnership
Brad Parks (r) and Randy Snow (l) were both great competitors, often battling each other early in their wheelchair tennis careers. Parks said, "He (Snow) once told me that he put my picture on his bathroom wall because he wanted to beat me so badly. That’s how competitive he was."
Barcelona Paralympics Stamp (1992) by Albert Ràfols-CasamadaInternational Tennis Hall of Fame
Wheelchair tennis in the Paralympic Games
In 1992, wheelchair tennis reached a historic milestone when it was included in the Barcelona Paralympic Games as a full medal sport. Here, Brad Parks and Randy Snow combined their competitive skills to make history and take home gold.
Team U.S.A. dominated the first men's wheelchair tennis events at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympic Games. As a team, Brad Parks and Randy Snow earned the gold medal in men's doubles. Additionally, Randy Snow won the gold medal in the singles event. Randy Snow used this Prince "Vortex" racquet during the event to secure his place in Paralympic history.
Randy Snow's Paralympic Order Medal (2011) by G.D.E. Bertoni/MilanoInternational Tennis Hall of Fame
A Paralympic legend
In 2004, Randy Snow became the first Paralympian to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. For his contributions to the Paralympic Games, Snow was posthumously awarded the Paralympic Order in 2011, the highest accolade given by the Paralympic Movement.
Wheelchair Tennis: Myth to Reality
When not competing, Randy Snow spent his time advocating for the growth of wheelchair tennis and teaching tennis clinics across the world. In 1994, Snow also co-wrote Wheelchair Tennis: Myth to Reality with Dr. Bal Moore, a landmark instructional book on wheelchair tennis.
Randy Snow Teaches a Wheelchair Tennis Clinic (circa 2005) by photographer unknownInternational Tennis Hall of Fame
The ultimate advocate
In 2009, Randy Snow passed away suddenly while in El Salvador teaching a wheelchair tennis development clinic. He left behind a legacy of greatness and is remembered fondly as a passionate and caring teacher who had an immeasurable influence on the sport of wheelchair tennis.
“Dreams make everyday life tolerable. Without dreams, life would be mediocre. Initially, my spinal cord injury dashed any hope of achieving those dreams. But sometimes re-dreaming is necessary...I now know that my childhood dreams were realized. Not only did I win the US Open, I won it 10 times. I just happened to win it in a wheelchair.” -Randy Snow
Rick Draney in wheelchair tennis competition (1985/1995) by creator unknownInternational Tennis Hall of Fame
Rick Draney and the quad division
As wheelchair tennis grew, separate divisions arose to foster inclusivity for different levels of mobility impairment. Rick Draney (ITHF Class of 2023) pioneered the quad division, which was created specifically for people with limited mobility in at least three limbs.
"I didn't know what I was doing...there wasn't really anybody to teach or coach most quads (quadriplegics) how to get started in tennis. A lot of it was trial and error, and so I got rather frustrated... But there was something about the challenge, I think, of enjoying physical activity again that sparked enough curiosity in me that I overcame my frustration and thought, 'Well, I need to try this another time or two.'" - Rick Draney's recollection of the early years of the quad division
Rich Draney explains an innovation that changed the sport
Rick Draney developed quadriplegia at age 19 after a car accident. Draney first played wheelchair tennis in 1984, and to compensate for limited hand strength, he pioneered an innovative technique in which he secured the racquet to his hand with tape.
Throughout his career, Draney held the No. 1 ranking for the quad division for 118 weeks. He claimed nine British Open and nine US Open titles while tirelessly advocating for the growth and inclusion of the quad division in elite wheelchair tennis. With Draney leading the way in promotion and development, the quad division was officially recognized by the International Tennis Federation in 1998. The quad division became a full medal sport in the Paralympic Games in 2004.
Horseshoe Court at the International Tennis Hall of Fame (2020) by ITHF/Kate Whitney LuceyInternational Tennis Hall of Fame
The ultimate honor in tennis
For their contributions to tennis, Brad Parks, Randy Snow, and Rick Draney were all inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, solidifying their place in tennis history.
Brad Parks (ITHF Class of 2010) was the first wheelchair tennis player inducted for his contributions to the founding of wheelchair tennis. Randy Snow (ITHF Class of 2012) was posthumously inducted for his barrier-breaking accomplishments on the court as a player and mentor. Randy's father, Thomas Snow, accepted on his behalf. Rick Draney (ITHF Class of 2023) was the first quad player inducted for his accomplishments on court and his advocacy for the quad division.
“There is a time for everything. And all the impossibilities that we thought were impossible, that people thought were impossible, were soon becoming a reality. Today, wheelchair tennis is in the Grand Slams. Today, the two-bounce rule is recognized as part of the official rules of tennis. We're played in the Paralympics... Wheelchair tennis has come a long way.” - Brad Parks' reflections during his induction speech in 2010
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