In the Paralympics, athletes compete to reach medals, goal, overcome barriers and break records. These athletes become inspiration to those who relate to their disabilities, and superheroes to those watching, making the Paralympics an incredible event full of boundary breaking. But, the path of these athletes is never easy to get where they are. They have to go through many obstacles, traumas and pressure to get where they are. This year, in the 2024 Paris Paralympics, there are amazing examples of separation of athletes through sports, and life.
Alexandra Truwit, an American para swimming athlete was attacked by a shark, which made her lose one leg and go through physical and psychological trauma. In a speech to the Paralympic committee, she says: "When I was faced with a life-changing trauma, I worked to see the positive and focus on gratitude and let that carry me. When you are truly faced with death, and you understand what a second chance at life means, you want to make the most of it. So, I have worked to do that, and it's not been without an incredible, incredible support system." Despite facing a situation that almost ended her life, Alexandra was able to win a silver medal in her swimming category, proving her exceptional abilities in her sport.
Loida Zabadala, a Spanish powerlifting athlete, is competing in her fifth Paralympic Game this year in Paris. Unfortunately, a few months before the Paralympics, she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, but still managed to qualify and compete in this year's Paralympics. In an interview, Loida said, "The message I would like to send is that on many occasions you may be given news that you may not have expected. For example, me - when they told me that I had advanced stage 4 cancer. But life can still give you gifts and moments that you don't expect. And that is why you have to enjoy life to the fullest - because we don't know how long we live, but what we do know is that the present is here and that we can enjoy it like never before." This shows that even when faced with life-threatening challenges, we need to persist and make the most of every opportunity life offers.
Paralympic athletes that do not have a specific country to compete for personal or political reasons can compete in the Refugee Paralympic team. Zakia Khudadadi is a refugee from Afghanistan who competed for the third place medal on August 29th. Just two years ago, in that same month in 2021, she was being evacuated from Afghanistan because of the Taliban takeover. At the time, she was preparing to make her debut at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, becoming the first woman from Afghanistan to compete in the Paralympics since 2004. This year, she made history by becoming the first woman in the Refugee team to step on the podium. After winning her well deserved medal, she said: "I'm so excited. I'm so happy because this is my dream," Khudadadi said. "Today I win a bronze medal and I'm the first female Paralympiac refugee (medallist) in the world and I win a bronze medal. This for me, is a dream. And now I'm in a dream." With this achievement, she demonstrates the strength of women, and even if our country is against them, these incredible women can still make it.
These athletes face incredibly head challenges throughout their lives, and still manage to prove their empowerment at the Paralympics. They embody determination and resilience and prove that nothing is impossible if work is put into. They don't just compete, they show that no matter the obstacle, they can overcome and inspire people all over the world.
Bibliography:
Grace Goulding. “In Case You Missed It: Unforgettable Quotes from the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.” Olympics, olympics.com/en/news/unforgettable-quotes-from-the-paris-2024-paralympic-games. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
“Loida Zabala Ollero - Powerlifting: Paralympic Athlete Profile.” International Paralympic Committee, www.paralympic.org/loida-zabala-ollero. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
“Zakia Khudadadi Wins First-Ever Medal for Refugee Paralympic Team with Nod to Two Olympic Inspirations, Cindy Ngamba and Haby Niare.” Olympic Athlete, olympics.com/en/news/paralympic-games-paris-2024-zakia-khudadadi-refugee-team-cindy-ngamba-interview. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
Comentários