by Sofia Moreau

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Zipping through life’s obstacles like an unstoppable force, our Paralympic sprinter and long jump champion has left a trail of inspiring stories in her wake. Handpicked from UCLA by US Paralympics during her college days, she seamlessly transitioned from distance running to sprinting and long jumps. A journey fraught with challenges, both physical and mental, resultantly sculpted her into the powerful athlete she is today.

Her persistent struggle against the odds did brazenly confront her with several stumbling blocks, physically requiring her to deal with the tough realities of a prosthetic life, and mentally steeling herself for the contentious journey. But her descend into sporting career has been an undulating thrill ride, with victorious strides outnumbering the crashed leaps.

Among her proud achievements, bringing home two global medals at the World Championships in 2017, and cinching the gold at Parapan Games in 2019 distinguish themselves. However, watching the young mentees she inspires follow her extraordinary footprints, promising a brighter future for Paralympic sports, and manifesting a great legacy, adds an unfathomable depth to her satisfaction.

Presently, her training focuses more on health, rest, and recovery, with emphasis on working on the minor details. Entertaining an enviable amount of zest for life, she defied the lockdown blues, resorting to local trails and Peloton home workouts to maintain her fitness pace.

Her association with Peloton’s Champions Collection is a beacon of hope for many struggling with disabilities. For her, it’s a positive stride toward shattering the crippling stigmas shoved to people with limb differences and disabilities.

She balances her demanding lifestyle with a mostly plant-based diet, making sure to infuse the necessary protein for recovery, but does not shy away from indulging in an occasional sugar rush. Her belief that moderation in enjoying comfort food aids a healthier lifestyle contradicts the restrictive dieting trends.

Becoming an iconic figure for disability representation in the mainstream media, she advocates for changes in the current standing of the Paralympic athletes and their opportunities. Although great progress has been made, she believes there’s still a long way to go in terms of gender equality and event organisations.

Reflecting on her own past, where cultural stereotypes labelled her as a ‘freak’, shattering her self-esteem, she now finds immense joy guiding young athletes to reshape their lives beyond their disabilities. Her efforts and aspirations aim to redefine the perception of the Paralympic sports and to enhance the appreciation and recognition of athletes showcasing their talents with uncompromised determination.

Watching the Paralympics escape the shadow of the Olympics and gaining the rightful recognition and respect for the athletes is high on her agenda. She desires an equal platform for each individual’s talent and skill set to be celebrated, leading to the holistic development and evolution of the sporting world.

Her partnership with Peloton’s Champions Collection is bringing accessible fitness guidance to homes, opening new doors to an empowering, inclusive future.

Paralympic sports, Paralympian, track and field, fitness journey, physical challenges, mental strength, physical recovery, achievement in athletics, gender equality, representation of disability, overcoming obstacles, champion athlete, Paralympic games, training regimen, plant-based diet, accessible fitness, disability stigma