Ready to Shine

The Olympics are taking place in Paris, France, this summer. But another big sporting event is happening in that city too. Starting August 28, Paris will host the Paralympics. It’s the world’s biggest competition for athletes with disabilities. 

The first official Paralympics were held in 1960. They took place in Rome, Italy. About 400 athletes from 23 countries took part.

This summer, about 4,400 athletes will participate in the Games. They will come from more than 110 countries. They will compete in 22 sports. 

Here are three athletes hoping to win gold for Team USA.

What’s it like to leap through the air as fans cheer you on? For Lex Gillette, it’s like being a superhero. 

“It definitely is a really cool feeling,” he says.

He lost his vision completely when he was 8 years old. He competes with the aid of a guide.

Gillette has won five silver medals at past Paralympics. He also holds the world record for the longest jump by an athlete who is totally blind. He jumped 22 feet, 2 inches. But Gillette isn’t slowing down. He aims to win gold in Paris. He also hopes to set a new world record.*

“There’s going to be different challenges and things that might try to trip you up,” he says. “But always believe that you have what it takes to keep pushing forward.”

^{*At press time, Gillette still needed to officially earn a spot on the U.S. Paralympic team.}

Hitting a target with a bow and arrow isn’t easy. Matt Stutzman did it from 310 yards away. That’s almost as long as three football fields. The shot set a record. Even more amazing? He fired the shot with his feet! 

Stutzman was born without arms. He got into archery in 2010. At first, it was a way to hunt so he could help feed his family. But over time, the sport became about something much more.

“It was more about showing the world what people with physical disabilities can do,” Stutzman says.  

This summer will be Stutzman’s fourth time competing in the Paralympics. He won silver in 2012. He hopes to inspire kids to be resilient.  

“Never give up,” Stutzman says.

Hitting a target with a bow and arrow isn’t easy. Matt Stutzman did it from 310 yards away. That’s almost as long as three football fields. The shot set a record. Even more amazing? He fired the shot with his feet! 

Stutzman was born without arms. He got into archery in 2010. At first, it was a way to hunt. It helped feed his family. But over time, the sport became about something much more.

“It was more about showing the world what people with physical disabilities can do,” Stutzman says.  

This summer Stutzman will compete in the Paralympics for the fourth time. He won silver in 2012. He hopes to inspire kids to be resilient.  

“Never give up,” Stutzman says.