A former collegiate swimmer who dreamed of competing in the Olympics, had her dreams derailed by a series of unfortunate accidents. She was hit by a drunk driver in 2007, involved in another accident in 2008 that led to the discovery of a brain tumor, and later suffered a serious head injury in 2018. Despite these setbacks, she continued to pursue her passion for swimming, taking a break to start a family before returning to the pool with her sights set on the Paralympics.
Initially unaware of her eligibility for the Paralympics, the athlete struggled to come to terms with the depth of her disability. Despite muscle spasms and immobility on her left side, she tried to hide her condition, using forearm crutches and a tapper to assist her during competitions. Inspired by Paralympic swimmer Michelle Konkoly, who overcame a serious spinal cord injury, the athlete began to embrace her disability and redefine what it means to be a Paralympian. She hopes to raise awareness and inspire the next generation of athletes to embrace their sport regardless of their physical challenges.
Facing skepticism and questioning about her disability, the athlete responds with confidence, inspired by Paralympic sprinter Nick Mayhugh’s response to similar doubts. Despite facing challenges and health issues such as missing part of her brain and a cyst in her spinal cord, she continues to push forward, breaking records and winning medals at Paralympic trials. However, she highlights the lack of media coverage and recognition for athletes with disabilities, expressing gratitude for opportunities to share her story and increase her visibility to provide for her family.
By sharing her story in essays and media profiles, the athlete hopes to break stereotypes and showcase the diverse range of athletes who compete in the Paralympics. She emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and redefining the image of Paralympians beyond those with missing limbs or in wheelchairs. Drawing inspiration from fellow athletes who have overcome significant challenges, she aims to empower the next generation of Paralympians to embrace their disabilities and excel in their chosen sports. Through her own journey of resilience and perseverance, she hopes to inspire others to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
Despite the series of setbacks and challenges she has faced, the athlete remains determined to pursue her passion for swimming and compete in the Paralympics. Her experiences have shaped her perspective on disability, media representation, and the importance of raising awareness for Paralympic sports. By sharing her story and advocating for greater visibility and recognition for athletes with disabilities, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their differences and strive for success in their chosen sports. With her eyes set on competing in the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris, she continues to train, overcome obstacles, and prove that disabilities do not define one’s abilities.
