A fortunate life.  That is an apt description of Aaron Paulson (b. Apr 4, 1977) , one of Oregon’s premier Paralympians.  His journey is a wonderful combination of being around the right people at the right time and a series of happy endings.  But his book of life is not finished, yet.

The first bit of providence came when Aaron was selected for adoption as an infant in India.  Already stricken with polio, his parents still brought him to Portland and to the care of Shriner’s hospital.  The hospital aided Aaron’s development.  His braces and crutches were updated as his body grew.  Doctors advised him he would likely never be able to walk on his own.

His love of games and sports and his rowdy big brother Jess led him to try to take part in all kinds of activities.   There were t-ball and indoor soccer.  But it was in the water that Paulson found passion and success.  Friends invited him into the pool, where Aaron actually had to teach himself to swim.  By high school, he was captain of the Parkrose high school water polo team.

He advanced through age group swimming, putting up marks that advanced him to junior nationals and then the Paralympic games.  He also defied expectations and began walking on his own with the aid of crutches.  Swimming took Aaron around the world to Barcelona, Atlanta, Athens, and Beijing.  He won Paralympic gold in relays, then took his personal challenge one step further with an individual bronze in the 2002 world championships in the 100-meter breaststroke.

Another chance meeting would lead to new opportunities in a new sport. Paulson met veteran kayaker Sam Drevo who encouraged him to try his hand on top of the water.  A new passion was born and soon Paulson was a national figure in a flat bottom kayak.  He just missed qualifying for the Rio Paralympics but the 2020 games still beckon.

A University of Oregon alum, Paulson works as a compliance specialist for the Bonneville power administration.  He also gives generously to young people including those currently under the care of Shriner’s hospital.

A strong believer in the future of youth he likes to say, ‘don’t just watch the fire burn, be a part of the accelerant that keeps it burning.”  Welcome, Aaron Paulson to the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.