Sayers Grooms
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 23, 2005 |
| Sport | |
| Country | .png){kind=small} United States |
| Sport | Paralympic athletics |
| Disability class | T72 |
Event(s) | 100 metres, 200 metres |
Medal record | |
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Ann "Sayers" Grooms (born June 23, 2005) is an American Paralympic athlete who competes in sprinting events at international track and field competitions. She is a World bronze medalist in sprinting.
Early life
Grooms was born on June 23, 2005, having had ataxic cerebral palsy since birth. As a result of having this disability, she did not learn to walk until three years of age. She also underwent multiple appointments of physical therapy.[1][2] She attended Oak Hall School alongside her older sister Harrison who is also a sprinter.[3]
At the age of six, Grooms told her parents that she desired to become an Paralympian. To fulfill this dream, Groom's mother Mary introduced her to frame running.[3]
Career
Grooms made her international debut in 2023 World Para Athletics Championships, in the 100 m event, where she finished in last place.[4] She returned to the World Para Athletics Championships the following year. Still competing in the 100 metres, she won the bronze medal, becoming the first American to win a world medal in frame running.[5][3]
In August 2025, Grooms was named to the American para athletics team for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships.[6]
References
- ^ Valencic, Brittany (May 12, 2016). "Nothing's Going to Break Her Stride". Runner's World.
- ^ Valencic, Brittany (June 20, 2016). "10-Year-Old With Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Breaks Records, Wins Gold". WUFT.
- ^ a b c Hamman, Lillian (July 25, 2025). "Gainesville para track athlete to compete at 2025 outdoor championships". Mainstreet Daily News Gainsville.
- ^ "Women's 100m T72" (PDF). paralympic.org. International Paralympic Committee. July 9, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
- ^ "Women's 100m T72". paralympic.org. International Paralympic Committee. May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ "USATF Names 40 Athletes to 2025 Para World Championships Team". USA Track & Field. August 3, 2025.