Who was the first African-American to win a medal in a Winter Paralympic event?

Bonnie St. John made history as the first African-American to win a medal in a Winter Paralympic event. Competing in the 1984 Winter Paralympics held in Innsbruck, Austria, she secured a remarkable achievement by earning a silver medal in the slalom and a bronze in the giant slalom. Her accomplishments not only spotlight her athletic prowess but also increased visibility and representation for African-Americans in winter sports, a significant aspect of both Paralympic and Olympic history.

The other individuals listed are notable athletes, but they did not compete in Winter Paralympic events nor were they the first African-Americans to achieve this milestone. Mary Lou Retton is renowned for her accomplishments in gymnastics, especially at the Summer Olympics, while Carl Lewis is celebrated for his track and field achievements. Trischa Zorn is an accomplished athlete in the Summer Paralympics, but Bonnie St. John's achievement specifically pertains to the Winter Paralympics, highlighting her unique position in this context.