Malda Baumgartė


Malda Baumgartė is a Latvian-born Lithuanian retired paralympic athlete who competed at international track and field competitions, she competed in discus throw, javelin throw, shot put and formerly pentathlon. She is a double Paralympic champion and a world champion in her disciplines. She is also a former sitting volleyball player.

Stabbing

On Christmas Eve in 1986, Baumgartė walked home after finishing her work shift late at night. On the way, she was jumped by a man who stabbed her in the back twice. She was spotted lying on the snow by a passerby hours later. Doctors managed to reconnect the nerves in her spine and was hoped that she would be able to walk again; she required the use of a wheelchair for three to four months. The man who stabbed Baumgartė was sentenced to eight years in jail. She decided to move to Lithuania and gained Lithuanian citizenship.