With their Paris 2024 Paralympic Games competitions behind them, Team Samsung Galaxy athletes Kadeena Cox (Para biking, Great Britain) and Desirée Vila (Para athletics, Spain) joined Samsung for Chat with Team Samsung Galaxy — an unique dialog by which they shared highlights from the Paralympic Games and their hopes for the longer term.
Samsung Newsroom joined followers and media at Olympic™ rendezvous @ Samsung | Champs-Elysees 125 to listen to from Cox, gold medalist within the Para biking combined 750-meter crew dash C1-5, and Vila, who competed within the girls’s lengthy leap T63.
▲ Chat with Team Samsung Galaxy at Olympic™ rendezvous @ Samsung | Champs-Elysees 125
▲ (From left) Desirée Vila of Team Spain and Kadeena Cox of Team Great Britain
Q. Kadeena, you’ve competed throughout a number of occasions throughout your Paralympic Games profession. What motivated you to be your greatest in all these completely different sports activities?
Cox: I’ve all the time beloved sports activities — my mother says I ran earlier than I may stroll. My mindset modified once I went from being an able-bodied athlete to being a Para athlete. When you’re disabled, folks virtually restrict you and see what you may’t do versus what you are able to do. For me, the final 10 years have been about pushing these boundaries and attempting to encourage folks to really feel like they’re greater than their incapacity. You need to try to reside your greatest life as a result of we solely get one.
▲ Team Samsung Galaxy’s Kadeena Cox discusses her ascent to grow to be an completed Paralympian.
Q. Desirée, you have been knowledgeable acrobatic gymnast prior to changing into a profitable Para athlete. What was your journey like from aggressive acrobatic gymnastics to the lengthy leap?
Vila: I beloved doing acrobatics as a baby, so I began gymnastics and finally competed internationally. When I broke my leg doing an acrobatic stunt on the trampoline, my greatest worry was, “Am I going to be able to practice again?” Rio 2016 was at a time when my bodily limitations have been occupying my ideas. However, seeing folks like me within the opening ceremony helped me perceive that I may overcome what I used to be going via if I’ve an open thoughts. Being an athlete earlier than the amputation helped me with my mindset and allowed me to give attention to what I needed to attain.
▲ Team Samsung Galaxy’s Desirée Vila remembers her journey from acrobatic gymnastics to Para athletics.
Q. Kadeena, you skilled a big setback at these Paralympic Games earlier than changing into a Paralympic gold medalist for the fifth time! How do you discover the energy and resilience to succeed in your objectives throughout difficult occasions?
Cox: After my stroke at 23, I assumed I’d get well and transfer on with my life — however quickly I used to be identified with a number of sclerosis (MS) which is a lifelong situation. As an athlete, I used to be decided to get again into sports activities. I already had that mindset of aim setting and seeing my development. When folks began messaging me saying that what I used to be doing was encouraging them, my aim shifted to empowering others. I had excessive expectations to fulfill forward of Paris 2024, however there was a second once I wasn’t superhuman. I used to be capable of bounce again and win gold in my subsequent race by being open about my struggles. I hope that encourages others to beat challenges in their very own lives.
▲ Kadeena Cox of Team Great Britain celebrates after profitable gold within the Para biking combined 750-meter crew dash C1-5. (Photo by Getty Images)
Q. Desirée, you’ve written a e-book that could be very open about your challenges. How do you suppose being open has set you up for achievement each on and off the observe?
Vila: Suddenly dropping a leg and having to simply accept a brand new physique is tough. I keep in mind being within the hospital and considering, “Will I ever be able to walk again?” or “Will I ever have a boyfriend?” or “Will my friends still want to hang out with me?” Fear is relatable, and lots of people really feel this…
