PRINTER Jonnie Peacock thinks it's a fighting spirit, the magic ingredient it takes to become an athlete worthy of competing in the Paralympic Games. Long jumper Zak Skinner believes it's grit and determination - a resilience to pain - that gives para-athletes like him their unique mindset.
Wheelchair racer Hannah Cockroft believes it's more nuanced, the concept of pain when you're a Paralympian. Yes, the training can be agony and has brought Cockroft her fair share of injuries in the 12 years since she competed in her first Games.
But the sport also offered a distraction from the pain. "I think I'd be in a lot more pain if I wasn't in the race chair every day," the seven-time Paralympic champion says ahead of the start of her fourth Games, which begin in Paris today.
Grit, a fighting spirit, whatever it is: Peacock, 31, Skinner, 25, and Cockroft, 32, clearly have buckets of the stuff-as do all the Paralympians we're set to see competing over the coming fortnight.
Sure, the Olympians we saw competing a couple of weeks ago weren't lacking in the whole resilience thing. But have you tried sprinting 800 metres in a wheelchair, or competing in a triathlon when you're missing a limb? This is the theory, at least, that Peacock, Skinner and their fellow para-athletes look to explore in Path to Paris: Paralympic Dream, a documentary now available on Channel 4, supported by The National Lottery.
Cockroft's fiancée Nathan Maguire, wheelchair racing legend Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Paralympic newbie Funmi Oduwaiye, are among the athletes who give viewers exclusive access to their journey to this week's Paralympics.
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin August 28, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin August 28, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos
Tim Shipman’s fourth and final tome covers Johnson to Sunak, via Truss
Is this government full of amateurs?
Labour's hard landing has revealed a cabinet struggling with the basics
It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States
Emma Hayes closed the book on 12 trophy-laden years at Chelsea with her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May.
Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?
Rebuilding his ageing side will bea greater challenge than building it in the first place for one of the greats
London wins battle of the global city brands again...
...but the capital still has plenty of work to do ifit wants to keep that crown
At home with...Earl of East
The duo behind the fragrance brand have made a Leyton new-build their sanctuary
How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology
INDIA BLOCKspeaks to paediatrician and TV writer Dr Neal Baer about the controversial advancement
This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving
AIl through a bright, bitter winter day I was smiling because I was coming to see Jack Thorne's adapAtation of Charles Dickens's story again.
Market merrymaking
Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets in the UK.
Festive favourites
Perfect your Christmas spread with a vibrant spin on a seasonal staple.