U.S. Paralympic Medalist Isaac Jean-Paul Rebounds From Knee Surgery With the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sight

Team USA Paralympic medalist Isaac Jean-Paul, who is legally blind, has set one of the most ambitious goals in track and field: qualifying for both the Olympics and Paralympics for the upcoming LA28 Games.

When a knee injury threatened that dream earlier this year, the high jumper turned to Cedars-Sinai, where sports medicine specialists repaired damaged cartilage and helped put him back on the path toward competition.

Now the two-time Paralympic medalist is rebuilding, one workout at a time.

Diagnosed at age 2 with juvenile retinal macular degeneration, Jean-Paul has only about 20% of his eyesight. Yet he has spent a lifetime proving that limited eyesight doesn't have to limit ambition.

"I want to show the world that it's possible," Jean-Paul said. "No matter what your circumstances are."

For Jean-Paul-better known as IJP to his fans-that belief has carried him from competing alongside athletes without disabilities as a child to becoming a two-time Paralympic medalist and world record holder. Now, he hopes to compete in both the Olympics and Paralympics during the LA28 Games

"Vision involves your belief. Vision involves your faith, your discernment, your imagination," he said. "I can't see the world the same way, so I have to imagine what I'm seeing. I have to feel what I'm seeing."

Today, the Team USA track and field athlete is a two-time Paralympic medalist, world record holder and one of adaptive sports' most recognizable advocates.

A Different Path

Unlike many Paralympians, Jean-Paul didn't learn about the Paralympic Games until he was in college.

He spent his childhood competing alongside athletes without disabilities. Basketball was his first love, and it wasn't until his senior year of high school that he discovered track and field.

Within three meets, he had broken his school's high jump record.

A scholarship to Lewis University followed, where he became a five-time NCAA Division II All-American and national champion.

"I competed against nondisabled athletes my entire life," he said. "My coaches didn't lean toward my disability as a crutch. They just saw my potential. They knew I was an athlete, and they trained me as such."

Since then, his career has included world championships, world records and two Paralympic medals in long jump. But as the LA28 Games draws closer, his goal to qualify for both Games inspires him at every workout.

"It's a big opportunity-not just for me, but for everyone to experience people with disabilities, not just athletes," he said. "My goal is to show the world that it's possible."

An Unexpected Detour

Earlier this year, Jean-Paul had to put his vision on hold.

What initially felt like a typical overuse injury common among jumpers gradually worsened.

"I thought it was jumper's knee," Jean-Paul recalled. "But after a track meet in February, it was hard for me to walk upstairs. I couldn't really bend my knee. I said, 'Something is going on.'"

Imaging revealed torn cartilage in his knee.

Seeking answers, Jean-Paul met with Casey Batten, MD, co-director of Nonoperative Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at Cedars-Sinai, who reviewed the imaging, explained his treatment options and helped him understand what each option could mean for his long-term goals.

Batten also serves as chief medical officer for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Cedars-Sinai is the Official Medical Provider for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

After discussing rehabilitation and surgical options, Batten referred Jean-Paul to orthopedic surgeon Michael Banffy, MD, chief of Sports Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

For the first time in his life, Jean-Paul faced a decision he'd never imagined making.

He could continue managing the pain-or undergo the first surgery of his athletic career.

Because 2026 is a non-championship year, he viewed it as an opportunity to invest in the years ahead.

"I've been on since 2017," he said. "I haven't had a break in track and field. I looked at this as an opportunity to get my mind right, rejuvenate myself and get a new step on life."

Back on Track

Banffy repaired the damaged cartilage arthroscopically, allowing Jean-Paul to begin rehabilitation soon after surgery.

"By treating it now, we're allowing him to continue training, build strength and ultimately work toward qualifying for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games," Banffy said. "If he had ignored it, it likely would have become a recurring problem."

For Jean-Paul, the medical expertise was matched by the trust he developed with his care team.

"I had never had surgery before," he said. "Trust between surgeon and patient is very important. They built that trust with me, and that gave me confidence."

Today, recovery has become part of training.

Most mornings begin before sunrise with cycling, weight training, pool workouts and physical therapy. Progress comes one day at a time.

"I keep telling myself one day at a time," he said. "If I move too soon, it's going to be a regression."

Banffy remains optimistic.

"I'm extremely confident that IJP will make a full recovery," he said. "He'll be able to train, and I'll be rooting for him as he works toward these LA28 Games."

More Than Medals

For Jean-Paul, the LA28 Games represents something more than another competition.

Throughout the year, Jean-Paul visits schools, speaks with students and encourages young people-especially those with disabilities-to dream bigger than others expect them to.

He has written children's books promoting inclusion and empowerment, and hopes his own journey reminds others that success looks different for everyone.

"Gold doesn't necessarily mean standing on top of the podium," he said. "I'm out here chasing my dream, and you can do the same thing."

When he imagines the LA28 Games, he doesn't picture the medal ceremony first.

He pictures his daughter.

"I visualize holding my daughter with the American flag wrapped around us," he said. "Showing her, 'This is what dreams are made of.'"

For now, that vision begins with one workout, one therapy session and one day at a time.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: The ABCs of Knee Ligament Injuries