Beth Livingston is a remarkable individual known for her accomplishments as both a Paralympic athlete and an artist. Based in Bozeman, Montana, she has built a multifaceted career while also being an educator and a mother of two.

Paralympic Athlete

Beth Livingston’s journey as an athlete took a dramatic turn in 1989 when a car accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. Despite this life-altering event, she embraced adaptive sports and became an internationally recognized Paralympic competitor. Initially, she competed in alpine skiing, but in 2000, she transitioned to Nordic (cross-country) skiing, where she excelled on a global stage. She represented the United States at the 2002 Winter Paralympic Games in Salt Lake City, competing in multiple events. Her achievements include a fifth-place finish with the U.S. 2 x 2.5k relay team and 11th-place finishes in both the 5k and 10k individual races. Prior to the Paralympics, she earned a 13th-place finish at the 2001 International Paralympic Nordic World Cup and has secured medals in World Cup races, establishing herself as a world-class performer.

Livingston’s athletic endeavors extend beyond competition. She has been sponsored by Patagonia, a leading outdoor gear company, serving as both a competitor and a resource for product testing and design. She also contributes to her community by volunteering to teach other disabled athletes and veterans in sports such as water and snow skiing, biking, and sled hockey, reflecting her commitment to empowering others.

Artist

As an artist, Beth Livingston is equally accomplished. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Parsons School of Design in 1989, alongside a degree and teaching certificate from the Bank Street College of Education. Her artwork spans multiple mediums, including sculpture, painting, and mixed media, often blending found objects with painterly techniques. Her style is noted for its whimsical yet thought-provoking nature, showcasing a keen sense of design and unconventional use of materials. Her creations are described as both visually pleasing and surprising, hanging in private and corporate collections across the United States.

In her Bozeman home studio, Livingston also teaches art to students of all ages, fostering creativity in her community. Her work reflects a personal narrative of resilience and transformation, paralleling her athletic journey.

Background and Personal Life

Originally from Princeton, New Jersey, Livingston grew up enjoying family ski trips, which sparked her love for the sport. After graduating from Parsons and moving to Montana in 1989 to immerse herself in ski culture, her life changed with the accident. Yet, her “intense spirit and resolve” drove her to redefine herself as an athlete and artist. She has spoken about how her participation in Paralympic sports enriched her life, offering a wealth of experiences and connections that she treasures deeply.

Livingston’s story is one of overcoming adversity with grit and grace. Whether on the slopes or in the studio, she embodies a philosophy of focusing on inner strength and the support of those around her, rather than perceived limitations. Her legacy as a Paralympian, artist, and educator continues to inspire.