I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love the Olympics. It doesn’t matter what sport it is I can sit and watch it. Everything from swimming, to hand ball, to air rifle captures my attention every 4 years. This year, however, something different also caught my attention. I have noticed that 2 athletes competing have overcome serious disabilities to reach their ultimate goals.
First, Iran chose Zahra Nemati to carry its flag during the opening ceremony. Nemati, A former taekwondo fighter, severed her spinal chord in an accident nearly a decade ago. She did not allow her paralyzation to stop her from achieving her dreams of becoming an olympian. She simply changed sports. After her accident, she took up archery, and in the 2012 Paralympics in London she took home the gold. She then set her eyes on the 2016 games in Rio De Janeiro. Her appearance did not go as planned, losing 6-2 to Russian archer Inna Stepanova in the first round. She hopes, however, that her accomplishments serve to inspire other people with disabilities. You can read more about her story here.
Second, US swimmer Kathleen Baker has had to overcome crohn’s disease to compete in Rio. She discovered that she had the disease several years ago and at first thought it might keep her from realizing her dreams. After consulting with her doctors and rethinking her training with her coach, she was able to go out and make the team. Then on Monday night she won a silver medal in the 100 backstroke. Baker wants her accomplishments to inspire others with crohn’s to not give up on their dreams. You can read more about her story here and see what she said after her silver medal race here.
The vision of The Freeman Foundation is “to raise awareness of the needs and potential of people with disabilities.” The accomplishments of these two olympians illustrate this vision on a massive stage. By not allowing their disabilities to conquer them, they display how through hard work and determination people with disabilities can lead normal and successful lives. Thank you Kathleen Baker and Zahra Nemati for telling your stories, and providing hope, encouragement, and inspiration for people who face similar issues in their own lives.
