Meet the Latter-day Saints Competing in the 2024 Paris Paralympics
Trailblazing Athletes with Disabilities Share Their Stories of Resilience and Triumph
Paving the Way for Inclusion and Representation
As the 2024 Paris Paralympics draw near, the world eagerly anticipates the inspiring stories of resilience and triumph that will unfold on the global stage. Among the extraordinary athletes preparing to represent their countries are several dedicated Latter-day Saints who have overcome adversity to achieve their dreams of Paralympic glory.
These remarkable individuals represent a diverse range of disabilities, from visual impairments to cerebral palsy. Each has faced unique challenges, but their unwavering determination and unwavering support from family, friends, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have fueled their rise to the pinnacle of adaptive sports.
Through their participation in the Paralympics, these Latter-day Saint athletes not only strive for personal excellence but also serve as powerful advocates for inclusion and representation. They shatter stereotypes, inspire others with disabilities, and demonstrate the boundless potential of the human spirit.
Profiles of Latter-day Saint Paralympic Athletes
Meet three of the Latter-day Saint athletes who will be competing in the 2024 Paris Paralympics:
- Aaron Scheidies (USA): A visually impaired swimmer who holds multiple Paralympic medals and world records. He is a former NCAA champion and a graduate of Brigham Young University.
- Hunter Woodhall (USA): A leg amputee runner who became a Paralympic medalist in 2020. He is known for his powerful personal story and his advocacy for mental health awareness.
- Olivia Breen (Great Britain): A wheelchair racer who has competed in multiple Paralympics and won medals in both track and field events. She is a graduate of Cambridge University and a role model for young people with disabilities.
These athletes and their fellow Latter-day Saint Paralympians embody the principles of faith, perseverance, and service. They are not only exceptional athletes but also beacons of hope and inspiration for all.
