Back to Alumni

Amy Burnett

Wheelchair Badminton

Served as envoy

  • 2024  –  Brunei

Amy Burnett, a trailblazer in the world of adaptive sports, shines as the first female wheelchair athlete in the United States to achieve international recognition in Para badminton, proudly representing Team USA. Amy’s journey began with resilience and determination after a life-altering accident in 1996, propelling her to break barriers and advocate fervently for adaptive sports and disability rights. Notably, she blazed trails as the inaugural Para Athlete Director and Representative for USA Badminton, amplifying her impact on a global scale. Amy played a pivotal role in advancing female inclusion within the sport, spearheading efforts to add females to the Badminton World Federation’s Para Athlete Commission. Her leadership resulted in her election as one of the first three females to serve on the commission, a testament to her commitment to gender equality in sports governance.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, Amy’s dedication to inclusivity extends beyond athletics, evidenced by her role as a board member for the Permobil Foundation and the United Spinal Association’s Tennessee Chapter. An adventurer at heart, Amy traverses the nation in her RV, sharing her message of empowerment and advocacy. Her achievements mark significant milestones for female inclusion, as she is the first female wheelchair athlete to accomplish numerous feats, including becoming a certified Level 1 coach through the Badminton World Federation. Amy’s multifaceted talents, including her musical pursuits, enrich her journey of resilience and determination, inspiring individuals of all abilities to embrace their full potential.