Biography of Lena Maria Klingvall
Biography of Lena Maria Klingvall
Background: Lena Maria Klingvall, from Jonkoping, Sweden, was 20 years old when she became known to the Swedish TV-viewers through the documentary called ‘Goal in Sight’. Lena Maria was born in 1968 without arms and with only one healthy leg while the other one is half developed. She has to walk with an artificial leg and the cause of her disability is unknown. Lena Maria learnt how to swim when she was only three years old. At the age of eighteen, she entered the National Swedish Games where she was granted a place in the national team. At the same year, she took two gold medals and set two world records in the World Championship. The highlight of her swimming career was the Paralympic Games 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. From 1987 to 1991 Lena Maria studied at The Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Since her examination she has been touring all over the world such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand. Through her around 60 tours in Asia with concerts, TV, radio and media and around 50 CDs and movies she has attracted attention. Her song at the Opening Ceremony at the Paralympic Games in Nagano was truly appreciated. Lena Maria has been an artist in the Mouth and Foot Painting Artist Association since 1990. She is also engaged in different occasions to talk about human dignity, identity and life quality. In 1996 Lena Maria wrote a book about her life called ‘Foot-Notes’. The book is translated and published in 14 different languages. Lena Maria has also written a second book called ‘Happy Days’. During spring in 2005, Lena Maria received an Honorary Citizenship of Taiwan and also the ‘Artur Erikson’ scholarship. In January 2008 Lena Maria received the H.M. The King's Medal from H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf with the words: 'For prominent accomplishment as an artist and athlete and as a model for people with disabilities in Sweden and abroad.’ 2009 Lena Maria
Background: Lena Maria Klingvall, from Jonkoping, Sweden, was 20 years old when she became known to the Swedish TV-viewers through the documentary called ‘Goal in Sight’. Lena Maria was born in 1968 without arms and with only one healthy leg while the other one is half developed. She has to walk with an artificial leg and the cause of her disability is unknown. Lena Maria learnt how to swim when she was only three years old. At the age of eighteen, she entered the National Swedish Games where she was granted a place in the national team. At the same year, she took two gold medals and set two world records in the World Championship. The highlight of her swimming career was the Paralympic Games 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. From 1987 to 1991 Lena Maria studied at The Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Since her examination she has been touring all over the world such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand. Through her around 60 tours in Asia with concerts, TV, radio and media and around 50 CDs and movies she has attracted attention. Her song at the Opening Ceremony at the Paralympic Games in Nagano was truly appreciated. Lena Maria has been an artist in the Mouth and Foot Painting Artist Association since 1990. She is also engaged in different occasions to talk about human dignity, identity and life quality. In 1996 Lena Maria wrote a book about her life called ‘Foot-Notes’. The book is translated and published in 14 different languages. Lena Maria has also written a second book called ‘Happy Days’. During spring in 2005, Lena Maria received an Honorary Citizenship of Taiwan and also the ‘Artur Erikson’ scholarship. In January 2008 Lena Maria received the H.M. The King's Medal from H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf with the words: 'For prominent accomplishment as an artist and athlete and as a model for people with disabilities in Sweden and abroad.’ 2009 Lena Maria