About Me
My Background
Difference Between The USA and Other Countries
My Journey to Paris 2024
I have been participating in sports since the age of 4. In 2012, I received my diagnosis of Geleophysic Dysplasia which is a very rare form of dwarfism when I was 7. Doctors told me I wouldn't be able to continue playing sports because I was too small, however, I continued to play basketball, soccer, and softball with average size kids. I
I have been participating in sports since the age of 4. In 2012, I received my diagnosis of Geleophysic Dysplasia which is a very rare form of dwarfism when I was 7. Doctors told me I wouldn't be able to continue playing sports because I was too small, however, I continued to play basketball, soccer, and softball with average size kids. In 2015, I got recruited to try out badminton. Not knowing what it was, my family brought home a backyard badminton set and we began playing it outside. It then led to camps and clinics followed by able bodied tournaments.
My Journey to Paris 2024
Difference Between The USA and Other Countries
My Journey to Paris 2024
In 2016, I was introduced to Para Badminton. Although Para Badminton has no age groups, I often play opponents much older than me. It's a sport that afforded me a physically level playing field. In 2019, as the youngest competitor, I earned 3 medals in my first ever international tournament in Peru. My eyes were opened and from there, I k
In 2016, I was introduced to Para Badminton. Although Para Badminton has no age groups, I often play opponents much older than me. It's a sport that afforded me a physically level playing field. In 2019, as the youngest competitor, I earned 3 medals in my first ever international tournament in Peru. My eyes were opened and from there, I knew that my goal would be to qualify for the Paralympic Games of Paris 2024.
Difference Between The USA and Other Countries
Difference Between The USA and Other Countries
Difference Between The USA and Other Countries
Para Badminton athletes in most other countries are government funded thus the cost of training, equipment, traveling and tournaments are covered. USA athletes, on the other hand, are not provided government funding and receive very little financial support from the Olympic or Paralympic Committee. Nearly all training, equipment, travel a
Para Badminton athletes in most other countries are government funded thus the cost of training, equipment, traveling and tournaments are covered. USA athletes, on the other hand, are not provided government funding and receive very little financial support from the Olympic or Paralympic Committee. Nearly all training, equipment, travel and tournaments are self-funded. In addition, all Para Badminton tournaments occur outside the US adding substantial travel costs. This means that fundraising and donations are crucial to help reach my goals.