Sports

Actions

Roderick Townsend embracing the 'showman' role at the Paralympics

The champion high jumper said he enjoys commanding a crowd.
Roderick Townsend takes gold at same event an incredible 3 times at Paralympics
Paralympic gold medalist Roderick Townsend competes in the high jump
Posted
and last updated

Paralympic gold medalist Roderick Townsend is a "showman" at heart.

Townsend has made his presence known at the Paralympics, winning gold medals in the high jump in Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo and Paris.

RELATED STORY | French fan support at Paralympics gives athletes hope for future of disability sport

"All of the travel, and all of the dieting, and all of the training and all of the sacrifices ... it's just a relief to know that it all paid off," he said. "I can just relax knowing that all of the hard work, all of the sacrifices were worth it."

Known for his flashy hairstyles, Townsend has brought extra flair to the Paralympics. And he's not done. Townsend plans to take that same showmanship and sportsmanship to the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

Watch Townsend's full interview with Scripps News in the video above.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Sunday

12/21/2025

Partly Cloudy

-° / 49°

7%

Monday

12/22/2025

Cloudy

64° / 51°

6%

Tuesday

12/23/2025

Rain Late

66° / 58°

91%

Wednesday

12/24/2025

Showers Early

62° / 54°

52%

Thursday

12/25/2025

Showers

61° / 49°

45%

Friday

12/26/2025

Showers

54° / 45°

44%

Saturday

12/27/2025

Partly Cloudy

51° / 41°

16%

Sunday

12/28/2025

Partly Cloudy

51° / 40°

15%