Paralympics Runner

WEB As 2024 Paralympics open, NJ runner with cerebral palsy chases track and field glory

Catarina Guimaraes' journey to the Paralympics

A New Jersey runner with cerebral palsy is chasing her dream of competing in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.

Maria Guimaraes enrolled her daughter Catarina in a running club when she was just 7 years old. Catarina quickly showed a talent for the sport, and by the age of 12, she was competing in national races. In 2019, she won the 100-meter dash at the World Para Athletics Junior Championships.

Catarina's success on the track has earned her a spot on the US Paralympic team. She will be competing in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter races in Paris.

Catarina is one of many athletes with disabilities who are chasing their dreams of competing in the Paralympics. The Paralympic Games are a major international sporting event for athletes with physical, intellectual, or sensory impairments.

The Paralympics: A history of inclusion

The Paralympic Games were first held in 1960 in Rome, Italy. The Games were created to provide a platform for athletes with disabilities to compete at the highest level.

The Paralympics have grown significantly over the years. In 1960, there were just 400 athletes from 23 countries competing in the Games. In 2016, there were over 4,300 athletes from 159 countries competing in the Games.

The Paralympics are now one of the most important sporting events in the world. The Games are a celebration of human achievement and a reminder that anything is possible.

Team USA at the Paralympics

Team USA is one of the most successful countries in Paralympic history. The team has won more medals than any other country at the Summer and Winter Paralympics.

• Team USA has won a total of 2,862 medals at the Summer Paralympics.
• Team USA has won a total of 1,353 medals at the Winter Paralympics.

Team USA is expected to be a strong contender for medals at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. The team is led by several world-class athletes, including swimmer Jessica Long, runner Tatyana McFadden, and cyclist Oksana Masters.

The future of the Paralympics

The Paralympics are continuing to grow in popularity around the world. The Games are now broadcast in over 100 countries and are watched by millions of people.

The Paralympics are an important part of the global sports landscape. The Games are a reminder that anything is possible and that everyone has the potential to achieve great things.

The future of the Paralympics is bright. The Games are expected to continue to grow in popularity and importance in the years to come.