JEREMY WINTERS’ parents instilled in him the belief that there were no limits to what he could achieve. They encouraged him to participate in any sport he wanted, and he gave his all every time he stepped onto the field. Winters’ unbreakable spirit and relentless determination became his trademarks, whether it was baseball, Pop Warner football, or basketball. At 8 years old, he was diagnosed with a progressive eye disease, but he refused to let it hinder his love for sports. Despite challenges that might have discouraged others, he maintained a positive attitude, driven by his parents’ influence, leaving no room for doubt to seep in.
“I grew up playing sports and enjoyed the team aspect and competition,” Winters recalled. “My parents never dwelt on my vision impairment. They never told me I couldn’t do something.”
This supportive environment helped him lead with a mindset that anything is possible with determination and hard work.
Winters’ path toward athletic success took many twists and turns. In middle school, he dabbled in basketball. In high school, he balanced multiple sports, with football and track becoming his mainstays after a freshman-year ankle injury steered him away from baseball. Track, in particular, became his true passion, with its high-contrast lines, and became a natural fit for Winters. His relentless pursuit of excellence would define his athletic career.
Winters’ achievements in track and field at Tullahoma High School are nothing short of remarkable. In 1991, he clinched the state title in the 400-meter run with an impressive time of 49.15. He was also an integral part of the state champion 400-meter relay team, clocking in at 42.68. His remarkable journey also includes being a member of the 1990 state champion baseball team and being selected to the All-Midstate football team for special teams in 1991.
He attributes his success to his coach, Winningham, and his fast teammates, who pushed him in practice.
“Coach Winningham prepared us so well,” he said. “We pushed each other in practice, and when it came time for races, it was just about executing what we knew we could do.”
Winters’ determination saw him through numerous challenges, culminating in a successful collegiate career. This journey was a natural progression of all the work he put in during his high school career.
Starting at Drake University on a track scholarship, he soon realized it wasn’t the right fit. He then transferred to Lipscomb University, only to see their track program dissolve. This led him to Harding University in the fall of 1993, where he finally found his stride. He graduated in 1997 with an undergraduate and master’s degree. While at Harding, he received the 1997 All-American and was a two-time All-American.
“Collegiately, that’s where I had my most success,” he said.
Post-college, Winters’ athletic journey took an unexpected turn. Taking part in a local triathlon alongside his sister opened up a whole new world of athletics for him. After a couple of challenging races, a race director introduced him to the idea of para triathlons. In 2011, Winters decided to pursue the events more seriously, motivated by a desire to inspire others with visual impairments.
With the support of the Tennessee Association of Blind Athletes, Winters’ hard work ethic paid off, leading him to compete in national and international competitions.
Winters quickly excelled, qualifying for nationals and later representing Team USA in international competitions. Competing in London and the Pan American Games in Mexico were highlights of his career — moments he describes as “indescribable.”
“Riding a tandem bike in front of Kensington Palace and competing in Hyde Park was a big moment that I enjoyed immensely.”
From 2013 to 2015, he ranked among the top 10 globally and proudly held the United States National Champion title in 2012.
Winters is currently a professor of mathematics at the department of elementary and special education at Middle Tennessee State University. He hopes his story will inspire others with disabilities to pursue their dreams.
Winters was inducted into the Tullahoma Sports Hall of Fame this year. Despite facing progressive eye Despite facing progressive eye disease as a young boy, Winters has become an accomplished athlete competing on the world stage. His pursuit of his passions and the support he received are powerful reminders that anything is achievable with the right mindset. His message is this; Find your interest, pursue it, and know you can achieve it. Whether it’s on the track, at the university, or in life, he exemplifies what it means to be a true champion. His endless inspiration will continue to impact the athletic world and beyond. His legacy and triumph shine brightly for others to follow. GN
