Winter Paralympics - ones to watch
Despite everything that is going on in the world, the Paralympic Winter Games start today 4 March. The athletes have been training for years for their moment at this tournament where they can compete against the very best in the world.
The Paralympic Games are important for so many reasons but we love the fact that they create awareness of disabilities and, importantly, the possibilities for disabled people.
There are more females competing at this year’s games compared to four years ago, which is absolutely fantastic! We know you’ll be interested in some of the younger competitors so here’s a quick run down.
Image by Unsplash
Elina Stary
15 year old Elina is the youngest competitor at these Games – a great achievement. The alpine skier from Austria is visually impaired and skis with a guide and recently gave GB’s Menna Fitzpatrick a run for her money at the World Para Snow Sports Championships in Lillehammer. She’s certainly one to watch.
Katlyn Maddry
Team USA’s Katlyn Maddry had her right leg amputated when she was eight years old but thanks to a school snow sports trip, she found adaptive snowboarding. She’s 19 and is known as the Eileen Gu of the para sports world as she was born in China but raised in America. She describes herself as a ‘go-getter’ so will she get herself a medal?
Natalie Wilkie
Canadian Natalie Wilkie is a para cross country skier after losing four fingers in a wood work accident at school. She was the youngest member of Team Canada at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games but still managed to take home a bronze, silver and gold medal! Here’s wishing her all the best to repeat that in Beijing!
Image by Unsplash
Menna Fitzpatrick
Menna is Team GB’s most decorated winter Paralympian after she won four medals including one gold in Pyeongchang four years ago. Menna only has 5% of her vision and so skis with a guide. Looking forward to watching her compete!
Carina Edlinger
Austrian Carina Edlinger was disappointed with bronze in Pyeongchang four years ago as she was on track for gold. Aged just 19 then the pressure got to her and despite her fantastic performances and gold winning ways, she didn’t quite take the top spot in in her event, Nordic skiing. This year she has another chance and we’re sure that she will give it her all. Carina has deteriorating vision due to a genetic disease.
Who will you be cheering on? Let us know!
Enjoy the Games!