Team USA Para Athletes Find New Passion in Transition to Long Jump
Two inspiring athletes from Team USA are making a bold transition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Noelle Lambert and Jarryd Wallace, both seasoned competitors in para athletics, are taking on the challenge of long jump after years of sprinting.
After encountering each other at the high-performance center in Paris, the two athletes struck up a conversation about their training routines. Despite their different stages of career, they found common ground in their shared transition to the long jump event.
Wallace, a veteran in his fourth Paralympic Games, expressed how the switch to long jump revitalized his passion for the sport. On the other hand, Lambert, competing in her second Paralympics, embraced the challenge of a new event as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
Both Wallace and Lambert have faced unique challenges and setbacks in their athletic journeys. Wallace, who lost his leg in high school, has already achieved success in sprint events but sought a fresh start in long jump. Lambert, a former lacrosse player, suffered a life-changing accident that led her to track and field.
Their paths crossed at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, where they found inspiration in each other’s courage and determination. This newfound camaraderie has fueled their desire to excel in the long jump event at Paris 2024.
As the competition heats up in Paris, Wallace and Lambert are eager to showcase their skills on the world stage. With the support of their teammates and fans, they are ready to take the leap – quite literally – into a new chapter of their athletic careers.
Follow their journey at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and witness the power of resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit of Team USA.
For more updates on the Paralympic Games, visit AP Paralympics.
Article by: Gabriella Etienne, student at the Carmical Sports Media Institute, University of Georgia.
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