One of Ball State’s own will play a pivotal role in the 2024 Paralympics—a global event taking place Aug. 28-Sept. 8. Dr. Lawrence Judge, professor of kinesiology and coordinator of the athletic coaching education graduate program, will coach two world-class athletes representing Team USA, Jeremy Campbell in discus and Josh Cinnamo in shot put. Mr. Campbell and Mr. Cinnamo compete in their events on Sept. 4 and Sept. 5. This is Dr. Judge’s fourth Paralympics.

Dedication and Excellence

Dr. Judge was coaching long before he joined Ball State University. With 18 years of experience as a collegiate track and field coach, including tenures at the University of South Carolina and the University of Florida, Dr. Judge had already established himself as a respected figure in the athletic community.

Dr. Judge’s introduction to the Paralympics came unexpectedly when, in 2009, he was invited to one of their training camps. He’d participated in the Olympics before as a track and field coach—going to Atlanta in 1996, Sydney in 2000, and Athens in 2004. However, he found himself in new and unfamiliar territory, working with athletes with disabilities.

“At that moment, I was genuinely terrified,” Dr. Judge said. “Faced with the unknown capabilities of these athletes, I realized that the most effective strategy was to engage with them directly. They are the true experts of their abilities.

“Driven by this insight, I immersed myself in studying the events, becoming a diligent student of each discipline,” he added. “It became clear that a one-size-fits-all approach would not suffice. Each athlete’s unique abilities required a tailored perspective, compelling me to rethink and adapt my strategies for each individual. This experience profoundly reshaped my approach, transforming apprehension into a deep respect for the incredible diversity of athletic talent.”

Dr. Judge’s willingness to learn became the foundation of his successful career in Paralympic coaching. Since that initial experience, he has worked closely with Paralympic athletes. Mr. Campbell, a discus thrower, was the first. The bond they built over the past 15 years showcases Dr. Judge’s dedication to the sport and his trainees. With Dr. Judge’s guidance, Mr. Campbell added two more gold medals from the London (2012) and Tokyo (2021) Paralympic Games to the two he earned in Beijing in 2008. Mr. Cinnamo won a bronze medal in Tokyo.

Ball State’s Role in Dr. Judge’s Journey

Dr. Judge’s work at Ball State University has been instrumental in shaping his approach to coaching. Since joining the University 18 years ago, Dr. Judge has seamlessly integrated his academic expertise with his coaching responsibilities. His evidence-based approach to training, honed through years of research and teaching, encourages his athletes to perform at their best.

“Being in higher education has allowed me to take a scientific approach to coaching,” Dr. Judge said. “I run an online master’s degree program in athletic coaching education (ACE), and the principles I teach in the classroom are the same ones I apply when coaching. It’s a perfect synergy that benefits my students and my athletes.”

Memorable Moments, Lasting Impact

Each Olympic and Paralympic experience has been unique, and many have included memorable moments—such as the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in which Dr. Judge had the rare opportunity to coach at the Olympics and Paralympics.

One of the most unforgettable moments came from the 2012 Paralympic Games in London when Jeremy Campbell’s remarkable gold medal performance and Paralympic record in the F44 discus made Paralympic history.

Hagan Landry, an athlete formerly trained by Dr. Judge, missed a gold medal in shot put by mere centimeters at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, had put everything he had into the competition.

“He gave me the biggest hug and had tears in his eyes,” Dr. Judge recalls about Mr. Landry. “Seeing how much that competition meant to him was such a powerful moment.”

Those emotional connections and the athletes’ successes are highlights of Dr. Judge’s work. World record-holders Jeremy Campbell and Josh Cinnamo are living proof of the transformative power of sports, a transformation Dr. Judge has been privileged to witness and help facilitate.

The Road to Paris 2024

Dr. Judge has prepared his athletes for what promises to be an electrifying competition at this year’s Paralympics in Paris. The return of fans to the stadiums brings an energy that was absent during the Tokyo Games due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“The challenge now is preparing the athletes for the noise and excitement that a packed stadium brings,” Dr. Judge says. “It’s going to be a different experience, but one that we’re ready for.”

The U.S. high-performance center in Paris, where Dr. Judge will work with his athletes, will provide the necessary resources and facilities to ensure they are at their peak performance when it matters most.

A Celebration of Excellence

As an educator and coach, Dr. Judge demonstrates dedication, expertise, and passion for his work. He serves Ball State as the senior research fellow in the dean’s office in the College of Health. The College of Health and the broader Ball State community have supported Dr. Judge’s role in the 2024 Paralympics and take immense pride in his groundbreaking achievements.

“Dr. Judge is a renowned coach and a highly valued professor,” said Dr. Paul Nagelkirk, department chair of the School of Kinesiology. “His work has elevated awareness and support for athletes with disabilities, and our students greatly benefit from his expertise and wealth of experience.”

Dr. Judge highlighted the support of Dr. Scott Rutledge, dean of the College of Health, whose encouragement has been instrumental in advancing his efforts. Along with the accolades he has received for his work with Olympians and Paralympians, Dr. Judge is proud to be part of Ball State.

“Working at Ball State has been a tremendous blessing,” Dr. Judge said. “The backing I’ve received from everyone here, especially during my involvement in these high-profile events, has been invaluable.”