I have always been a strong advocate for inclusion over segregation. This may not always be possible, but I just don’t see myself as different or even disabled. I try not to put labels on anyone. Everyone is unique, everyone has their own individual quirks and there really is no definition of “normal”.
But today (3 December), International Day of Persons with a Disability, matters. It is an opportunity to generate new ideas, for people to connect across groups and for everyone to work together towards an even more inclusive global society. It is an opportunity for a minority voice to speak up and say, “look what I am doing and look what you can do too.”
I have competed at two Paralympic Games, first in London and then in Rio last year. The experiences are etched into my memory forever – their impact on my life was enormous. The most important aspect of the Games for me has always been that all athletes compete on an equal footing: the world watches and the values of both movements – Olympic and Paralympic – come out in the spirit of fair play and inclusion.
The Olympics and Paralympics understandably have different sports and events on offer, and have separate branding and commercial sponsors – with some overlap. I think it makes sense that they are their own Games, but I love it when the two cross over: and this month, with Samsung on board as one of the sponsors of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, I was able to participate as a Paralympic athlete in an Olympic torch relay.
I was really excited by this opportunity for inclusion across the two movements and to be offered the chance to play my small part in the lead-up to the Winter Games. I have never taken part in an Olympic Torch Relay before, and had assumed now I’m retired that I would never be asked.
I jetted off to the host country of South Korea, excited to learn about the culture and country first-hand. As a teenager, before my sporting career had taken off, I developed a passion for different languages and cultures – my interest in diverse perspectives and different ways of living has always, for me, connected with my love of the Olympic and Paralympic movements. I’m always interested to see how disability is accommodated in different countries and cultures (although it’s not only athletes with disabilities that have to think carefully when they’re travelling abroad. Ahead of Rio last year, everyone was panicking about the Zika virus and protecting athletes from mosquito bites. I was given industrial-strength mosquito repellent which burned when you sprayed it on your skin. My solution was to just wear long-sleeved tops, ignore the hysteria, and hope for the best!).
The torch relay location was Busan in the southern-most part of South Korea. On the day of the relay, we were given white and gold tracksuits, complete with orange gloves and a fetching bobble hat. Once kitted up, I felt that tingle of nerves familiar from my competition days as I waited with fellow Paralympic athletes for my 200 metre walk with the torch. It was a moment to reflect on how much I was looking forward to both the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2018 and how excited I am for the athletes taking part, as well as the disabled fans who will be making the trip to PyeongChang. It promises to be worth the 24 hour journey from the UK, if the time I spent in South Korea is anything to go by. Everything was brilliantly organised, and accessibility was never an issue – although I do have more mobility than some of my colleagues, access was good wherever we went. My impression of the organisers, and the country itself, is one of helpfulness, inclusion and positivity. It’s everything I think the Games should be.
I even broke with Games tradition without ruffling any feathers. As a torch-bearer you’re supposed to swap the torch from your right to the left to do the ‘kiss’ with the next runner (when the flame from your torch lights theirs). I had to keep the torch in my right hand – no one batted an eyelid.
If you’re planning a trip to the Games, whether you’re disabled or able-bodied, I think you’re in for an incredible ride. Take it from someone who’s been there, and got the tracksuit.