Brief Introduction of Laura Dwyer
Laura Dwyer is an American Paralympic wheelchair curler whose story is one of remarkable resilience and athletic achievement. A former landscaper and mother of two from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Dwyer’s life was irrevocably changed in 2012 by a tragic accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. After years of adapting to her new reality, she discovered the sport of wheelchair curling in 2019 and quickly ascended to the elite level. Known for her determination and competitive spirit, she has become a key player on the national and international stage. Dwyer is a U.S. National Champion and has represented Team USA at multiple world championships. Her journey from a life-altering injury to becoming a Paralympian is a powerful narrative of perseverance and the transformative power of adaptive sports.
Laura Dwyer Overview
| Full Name | Laura Dwyer |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly available (Born circa 1977) |
| Age(as of 2025) | 48 |
| Birthplace | Wisconsin, USA |
| Profession | Paralympic Wheelchair Curler |
| Husband/Wife | Chris Dwyer |
| Family | Two sons: Crandon and Thomas |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Laura Dwyer
Laura Dwyer was born and raised in Wisconsin. Growing up on a farm, she was instilled with a strong work ethic from a young age, a trait that would later define her athletic career. This rural upbringing meant she was familiar with hard work and direct communication, which she credits for shaping her no-nonsense and determined personality. Before her life took a dramatic turn, Dwyer pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay. Following her education, she built a career as a professional landscaper, a physically demanding job she was passionate about. She was leading a busy life, working seven days a week from spring through fall, while raising her two young sons with her husband, Chris. Her life was one of activity and dedication to her family and her work, rooted in the community of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where she and her family made their home. This period of her life, filled with the everyday joys and challenges of work and motherhood, stands in stark contrast to the unexpected path that lay before her.
Laura Dwyer’s Career
Laura Dwyer’s athletic career is a testament to her incredible fortitude and ability to adapt and excel in the face of monumental adversity. Before 2012, her professional life was centered on her landscaping business. However, a catastrophic, life-altering event in May of that year marked the end of one chapter and, eventually, the dramatic beginning of another. While on a routine landscaping job, a massive 1,000-pound tree branch fell from 40 feet above, striking her. The accident was devastating, leaving her with 26 broken ribs, three broken toes, and a severe spinal cord injury at the T12 and L1 vertebrae, resulting in paralysis from the waist down.
The years immediately following the accident were a period of immense personal challenge and adjustment. For a time, Dwyer felt her life was on pause, grappling with the physical and emotional trauma. She dedicated herself to her family but found it difficult to move forward personally. The turning point came seven years after her injury, in 2019. Seeking a new passion and a way to channel her competitive nature, she discovered wheelchair curling after seeing a flyer for an adaptive curling clinic in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. The sport, which she initially thought resembled shuffleboard, immediately clicked with her.
Dwyer’s ascent in the world of wheelchair curling was nothing short of meteoric. Her natural talent, combined with the fierce work ethic she had cultivated throughout her life, propelled her quickly through the ranks. Within a few years of picking up the sport, she was competing at an elite level. She made her mark on the national scene and soon earned a place on the U.S. national team. Her skill and dedication led to her being selected as the first female alternate for the U.S. Paralympic team for the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics, a remarkable achievement for someone relatively new to the sport.
Following the 2022 Paralympics, Dwyer became a mainstay on Team USA, representing the United States at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025. She specialized in both the mixed team and the mixed doubles disciplines. It was in mixed doubles that she found her greatest success. Partnering with the experienced curler Steve Emt, the duo developed a formidable on-ice chemistry, known for their blunt and effective communication. In January 2025, their hard work paid off when they won the U.S. Wheelchair Mixed Doubles National Championship, defeating the defending champions to claim the title.
This national title earned them the right to represent the U.S. at the 2025 World Championships in Scotland, where they secured a ninth-place finish. More importantly, their performance helped officially qualify the United States for a spot in the inaugural Wheelchair Mixed Doubles event at the upcoming Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics. In November 2025, at the U.S. Paralympic Team Trials in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Dwyer and Emt cemented their place in history. They swept the best-of-three final to win the trials, officially punching their ticket to the 2026 Winter Games. This victory marked the culmination of a five-year journey of intensive training and competition, transforming a personal tragedy into a Paralympic triumph.
Laura Dwyer Personal Life & Family
Laura Dwyer’s personal life and family are the bedrock of her inspirational journey. She is married to her supportive husband, Chris Dwyer, who has been by her side through the most challenging moments of their lives. Together, they have raised two sons, Crandon and Thomas. Their family is a source of immense pride and motivation for Dwyer. Following in a path of service, their son Crandon is a U.S. Marine. Their other son, Thomas, is a student-athlete, playing college football at South Dakota State University. The family resides in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where they have built their life. Before her accident, Dwyer’s days were consumed by her landscaping work and the demands of motherhood with two young children. After her injury, the family dynamics shifted, but their bond remained a constant source of strength. Dwyer has spoken about the initial feelings of guilt for not being as physically present for her children in the way she once was, a sentiment that fueled her determination to find a new path forward. Her journey into elite athletics has been a family affair, with their unwavering support empowering her to travel, train, and compete at the highest level. Her story is not just one of individual resilience but also of a family’s collective strength in overcoming adversity.
Awards and Achievements of Laura Dwyer
- 2026 – U.S. Paralympic Team Trials Winner (Wheelchair Mixed Doubles)
- 2026 – Qualified for Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics (Wheelchair Mixed Doubles)
- 2025 – U.S. Wheelchair Mixed Doubles National Champion
- 2025 – Represented Team USA at World Wheelchair Mixed Doubles Championship
- 2024 – Represented Team USA at World Wheelchair Curling Championship
- 2023 – Represented Team USA at World Wheelchair Curling Championship
- 2022 – U.S. Paralympic Team Alternate (Beijing Winter Paralympics)
Laura Dwyer Net Worth and Income
Information regarding Laura Dwyer’s net worth and specific income sources is not publicly available. As a Paralympic athlete, her income would likely be derived from a combination of sources, including performance stipends, sponsorships, and potentially fundraising efforts to cover the extensive costs of training and competition. The “Laura Dwyer Wheelchair Curling Fund” was established through The Greatness Narrative Foundation, a non-profit organization, to help support her journey, covering expenses such as travel, training, and competition fees. This indicates that community and donor support is a significant part of her financial backing as an elite athlete.
Legacy and Influence
Laura Dwyer’s legacy is one of profound resilience and the power of the human spirit to redefine a life’s trajectory. Her story provides a powerful example of how a devastating personal tragedy can be transformed into a source of inspiration and incredible achievement. By discovering and excelling in wheelchair curling, she has not only forged a new identity for herself as an elite athlete but has also become an ambassador for adaptive sports. Her journey shines a spotlight on the opportunities that exist for individuals with disabilities to compete at the highest levels of sport. She demonstrates that a catastrophic injury does not have to be the end of a story, but rather the beginning of a new, unforeseen chapter. For her community in Wisconsin and for aspiring adaptive athletes everywhere, Dwyer’s influence lies in her tangible proof that dedication and passion can overcome even the most formidable obstacles. Her qualification for the 2026 Paralympics ensures that her story will inspire a global audience, leaving an enduring legacy of hope, strength, and determination.
Interesting Facts about Laura Dwyer
- Before becoming a professional athlete, she owned and operated her own landscaping business.
- She discovered the sport of wheelchair curling seven years after her accident by chance, after seeing a flyer for a local adaptive sports clinic.
- She grew up on a farm, which she says contributed to her direct, no-nonsense communication style and strong work ethic.
- When she first tried curling, she thought it reminded her of playing shuffleboard.
- Her athletic son, Thomas, is a football player for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, a successful collegiate team.
- The tree branch that caused her injury was from an 80-foot sugar maple and was estimated to weigh over 1,000 pounds.
Controversies
There are no publicly known controversies associated with Laura Dwyer. Her public image is overwhelmingly positive, focusing on her inspirational journey as an athlete and her dedication to her sport and family.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Laura Dwyer
In the grand narrative of sports, some of the most compelling stories belong to those who find their arena not by design, but by destiny. Laura Dwyer is one such athlete. Her life’s path was violently rerouted, but in the aftermath, she found a new direction on the ice sheet. As she prepares for her Paralympic debut at the Milan Cortina 2026 Games, her journey is far from over. She stands as a powerful symbol of rebirth and a fierce competitor who has turned personal tragedy into a platform for excellence. The Laura Dwyer biography is not just a tale of an athlete; it is a profound story of a mother, a wife, and an individual who, when faced with the unimaginable, chose to push forward and redefine what is possible. Her legacy will be measured not just in wins or losses, but in the countless people she will undoubtedly inspire to find their own strength in the face of adversity.