The Paralympics kick off in just 8 days, and for the first time, I’m genuinely keen to tune in. It’s funny—working with people with disabilities has made me look at Inspiration from Paralympic athletes in a completely new light. These aren’t just elite athletes; they’re people who have fought through struggles most of us can’t imagine and come out stronger on the other side. That’s a kind of determination that hits different.
What I’ve Learned from Coaching Young People with Disabilities
I’ve spent time coaching young people with disabilities, and let me tell you—these guys have taught me as much (if not more) than I’ve taught them. Last year, I was involved with the Titans Leagueability team, and it was incredible to see the skills and attitudes these young fellas brought to the field. They were just stoked to have the chance to play, no complaints—just pure joy and determination.
There are a few things I catch myself saying to them over and over: “You can’t just quit because it’s hard,” or “Imagine what would happen if you just kept going.” Funny enough, it’s advice I know I need to take myself. Whether it’s pushing through a tough workout or sticking to a commitment, those reminders hit home for everyone.
The Paralympics: Why They Inspire Us Even More
Now, I’ve always respected any Olympian—they’re pushing through to be the best, making sacrifices, and giving it their all. But when you consider the extra challenges Paralympians face—whether that’s physical, emotional, or societal—their stories of triumph take it to another level. It’s easy to let small excuses hold us back in our day-to-day lives, but when you see people overcoming genuine obstacles like this, it really puts things in perspective.
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know much about specific Paralympic athletes yet. But I’m excited to learn more this time around, and I hope to take what I learn into the sessions I run. If just one of my clients sees what’s possible and feels motivated to chase their own goals, then that’s a win in my book.
Empathy Isn’t Taught—It’s Realised
One thing I’ve learned from working in this space is that empathy doesn’t come from being told what’s right or wrong. It comes from real experiences that shift our perspective. I remember losing my voice temporarily and being treated like I was stupid because people assumed my lack of speech meant I couldn’t understand them. It wasn’t their fault, but it made me realise how quickly we make assumptions about others, especially those with disabilities.
This is why I believe Paralympians should be sharing their stories in schools. If even one kid can hear a story and think, “Wow, maybe I should be kinder,” or “If they can do that, maybe I can push myself too,” then it’s worth it. Some seedling Inspiration from Paralympic athletes, It’s often small seeds that grow into real change, whether that’s a new understanding or the drive to set bigger goals.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re as curious as I am and want to support these incredible athletes, check out this Paralympics Australia donation page. Just so we’re clear, I’m not connected to the Paralympics in any official way, but I think this page is worth checking out if you’re interested. And seriously, Wheelchair Rugby?! How did i not know that existed!
The upcoming Paralympics are a chance for all of us to rethink what resilience really looks like. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or just someone watching from the couch like me, there’s something we can all learn from these remarkable people. Let’s take the time to watch, listen, and maybe even apply some of that grit and determination to our own lives.
I’m looking to connect with anyone who knows an athlete competing in the upcoming Olympics who might be interested in sharing their story on our podcast. The focus would be on discussing their journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, what it takes to reach the pinnacle of their sport and get some Inspiration from Paralympic athletes. If you have any connections or leads, I’d love to hear from you. This could be a great opportunity to inspire others and give insight into the mindset and dedication required to succeed at this level. You can learn more about the podcast and past episodes here.
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