Norfolk native, Doane grad makes USA Paralympic squad for Tokyo Games

MINNEAPOLIS — Nebraska native Taleah Williams will represent the USA in this summer’s Paralympic Games.

Williams is a Norfolk native and Norfolk High graduate who competed collegiately at Doane University. She competes in the long jump and won her event at the US Trials in Minnesota last week. Williams posted a top mark of 5.37m (17-07.50).

Williams was born without her lower left arm. According to her Team USA bio page, she started in track and field in first grade and went on to participate in track and basketball in high school.

This will be Williams’ second Paralympic performance. She finished 5th in long jump in the 2016 Rio games. She earned long jump gold in the 2017 Paralympic World Championship and placed 6th in 2019.

Williams is the second Doane alum to qualify for the Tokyo Paralympic Games, joining Natalie (Nelsen) Schneider, who is a member of the women’s basketball team.