Already a four-time Paralympic Games gold medallist, in 2023 the German long-jumper made it six world titles when he won at the Para Athletics World Championship in Paris. The undisputed master of the sport, Markus has now been undefeated for over 13 years. He achieved a new milestone last year, leaping 8.72 metres to secure his 14th world record. His right leg was amputated below the knee after a wakeboarding accident and he uses a carbon-fibre bladed prosthetic component which he and his team designed, aiming to prevent injuries. He is known for helping opponents if they have problems with their own prosthesis during competition.