If you’re one of those sports enthusiasts who doesn’t miss a single moment of the Olympics, you might already be familiar with the Paralympics. Every four years, thousands of athletes gather together to compete against each other in games such as wheelchair basketball, swimming, and track and field, amongst others.
These athletes not only compete at the highest level but also break barriers, proving that physical challenges are merely stepping stones to success. In fact, Michigan has been home to some of the most passionate Paralympians, who inspire us all with each stroke, sprint, and throw.
Let’s check out the profiles of Michigan’s finest Paralympic competitors who have redefined the meaning of ‘going for gold.‘
History of Paralympics
Founded by Sir Ludwig Guttmann in 1948, the Paralympics is an international sports event similar to the Olympics but includes athletes with various disabilities. It started as a modest event for World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries to support rehabilitation and boost their morale. Later, the Games expanded to include challenged athletes with different impairments, including visual impairments, cerebral palsy, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and intellectual disabilities.
The first official Paralympic Games were held in 1960 in Rome, where 400 athletes from 23 countries showed up to compete in 8 different sports. Since then, 13 countries have hosted the Summer Games, while 10 countries have had the honor of hosting the Winter Games, each adding a unique city charm to this incredible event. Even the global pandemic Covid-19 couldn’t throw off their game as Tokyo hosted the Summer Paralympics in 2021.
Top Paralympic Athletes of Michigan
Below are some of the top Michigan Paralympics competitors who are living proof that no hurdle is too high to jump over (sometimes literally!):
Tyler Merren
Tyler Merren is not just any athlete; he’s a goalball legend from Michigan. As a teenager, he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa but kept playing basketball. At 15, he attended an education camp at Western Michigan University, where he discovered goalball, which he passionately describes as “the greatest sport that you’ve never heard of.”
Despite visual impairment, Tyler took the opportunity and turned it into a victory. He has been to 18 countries to compete for the United States and has earned numerous accolades, including a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Games and a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Games.
Besides his athletic achievements, Tyler is a public speaker, personal trainer at Camp Tuhsmeheta, and fitness app developer who helps people with visual impairments exercise effectively.
Kate Brim
Kate Brim is one of 13 cyclists chosen from across the country to represent the United States and her hometown of Lowell, Michigan, as a para-cyclist at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
Kate’s journey hasn’t been easy. At 19, she faced serious complications from surgery that led to a spinal cord injury, gradually losing her strength and mobility. She spent a year and a half recovering at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids.
During her recovery, she joined the Grand Rapids Thunder wheelchair rugby team and Mary Free Bed’s hand-cycling team, finding new ways to channel her competitive spirit. Though her injury presented undeniable challenges, Kate refused to let it define her future. With incredible determination, she earned four gold medals at the World Championship, proving her extraordinary talent and unbreakable will.
Now that she has been selected to participate in the U.S. hand-cycling team for the 2024 Paralympics, we can’t wait to see Kate in action on the global stage.
Bobby Body
Bobby Body, a 50-year-old powerlifter, is gearing up for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris with his sights firmly set on the podium. Bobby’s story is nothing short of heroic. After the 9/11 attack, he joined the US Army and was hit by a roadside bomb attack in Iraq that led to the amputation of his left leg.
He discovered powerlifting in 2014 and quickly turned heads by competing against ambulatory athletes. When the US Paralympics manager asked him to join the para powerlifting team, he scoffed at the idea. Later, he gave it a shot in 2021 and finished ninth in his weight class.
Since then, he’s been on a record-breaking spree, benching up to 530 pounds and targeting the world record. With an unshakeable belief in his abilities, Bobby is set to bring that same fire to Paris and wear that gold medal around his neck.
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Evan Medell
If you think Taekwondo is just for ambulatory athletes, Evan Medell is here to change that perspective. Born and raised in Grand Haven, Evan grew up with Brachial Plexus Palsy, which affects shoulder, arm, and hand movement. But that didn’t slow him down.
While suffering from a physical disability, he dedicated himself to mastering Taekwondo, which demands high kicks and fast strikes. Thanks to his relentless determination and hard work, he won a bronze medal when he made his first debut in 2020 Tokyo.
Evan is now qualified for the upcoming 2024 Paralympics. For now, his ultimate plan is to win a gold medal in Paris and then hang up his belt. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from Evan’s journey, it’s that he’s full of surprises — and we eagerly anticipate how his story unfolds at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
Other Aspiring Michigan Paralympians
While the above-mentioned Paralympians have achieved remarkable success, the following table highlights equally inspiring Michigan para-athletes who have also made significant contributions to their respective sports.
How to Watch the Paralympics
This year, Paris will welcome around 4,400 para-athletes who will compete across 549 medal events from 28 August to 8 September.
If you’re planning to catch live action, make sure to visit some of the city’s iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Château de Versailles, and the Grand Palais. The ceremony will kick off with a parade down the iconic Avenue des Champs-Elysées to Place de la Concorde, setting the stage for an unforgettable event.
Can’t visit Paris but still don’t want to miss every Paralympic moment? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stay tuned. For instance, major sports channels and broadcasters such as NBC, Channel 4 (UK), the Seven Network (Australia), Peacock, CBC, BBC Sports, ESPN, and Eurosports will be covering the events extensively.
The Paralympics YouTube channel and the International Paralympic Committee will also feature athlete interviews, live streams, medal counts, and other highlights from all 22 sports. You can also follow the official Paralympics accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to get real-time updates about your favorite sports.
Gear Up for the Games with Clock Mobility
If you plan to fly to Paris to watch the Paralympics, Clock Mobility has you covered.
Based in four locations across Michigan, we offer a wide range of feature-rich wheelchair-accessible vehicles for both short-term and long-term rentals. This flexibility means you can book our accessible vehicles for smooth transportation to and from the airport. Or, swing by your local sports bar and enjoy the games with friends.
If you like the features of your rental, why not purchase one for yourself? Browse our inventory of new and used wheelchair-accessible vehicles, fill out this form for a rental quote, or call us at (866) 380-3326 to speak to a Mobility Consultant!