Greg Neumann: Wheelchair Poolshark

People in wheelchairs are often faced with difficulties in their day to day life, but most of these can be overcome. One man has not only overcome these difficulties, but he has done so with great style.

Greg Neumann manages an off-site betting facility for the Fairmont Park Racetrack and is also an excellent wheelchair pool player. He has been playing pool since he was sixteen, but has also enjoyed bowling and playing wheelchair basketball.

When Neumann was a child, a tumor on his spinal cord eventually left him unable to use his legs, but he never let that stop him. With the support of his three younger brothers, Neumann never gave up and remained active.

He joined a wheelchair basketball team when in his teens and also bowled with an average of around 148, then at the age of 16, he discovered his uncles pool table. When he couldn’t get over to his uncles house, he would read up on the game and he quickly discovered he could excel at pool.

In 1986, Neumann joined the American Pool Association and has been entering and winning competitions since then. He regularly competes in Las Vegas and most recently came in third in a wheelchair pool competition.

When he is not working or attending competitions, Neumann enjoys playing pool at a local pool hall called Sharky’s. His family is still there supporting him and his nephew is keen to learn and will begin playing competitively next year when he turns 18.