Aileen Harper

Aileen Harper was the first female wheelchair athlete from Disability Sport Fife to make an impact in international sport. In the late 70’s and early 80’s when she lived in Auchtermuchty, Aileen had considerable success in the sports of archery, athletics, swimming, and wheelchair dancing. A

ileen was the only Fife athlete selected to compete for Scotland at the CPISRA World Games in Holland in 1980. The Paralympic Games in New York in 1984 was her finest hour. Aileen won 3 gold medals in track, field, and wheelchair slalom. Her victory in slalom was remarkable because of the quality of the slalom chair she had at her disposal.

Aileen’s wheelchair was inferior to those athletes from United States and Denmark where the equipment was much more sophisticated. Aileen retired after New York to settle down with her family. Her contribution to the development of women’s wheelchair sport in Scotland is immeasurable. Aileen passed away in March 2007.