October is Black History Month, it’s a time to remember and celebrate the achievements of important Black figures in history. In 2016, the Rio Paralympics welcomed 264 athletes, and among them only 20 identified as BAME (Black, Asian, and minority ethnic). The disparity in ethic diversity is huge and needs addressing – more representation is needed. Our work at Defiant Sports pivots around inclusivity in sport, hence why this year, we’d like to honour Black History Month by introducing a few black and disabled athletes from the past and present who, through their accomplishments, bettered the world of sports.
Wilma contracted polio at a young age and was told by her doctor how she wouldn’t walk again. Overcoming the odds, she did walk again and was eventually proclaimed the ‘fastest woman in the world’. She won her first bronze medal at the age of 16 when she took part in the 1956 Summer Olympic Games. At the 1960 Rome Olympics, she exceeded all expectations when she won three gold medals – the first American woman to do so in one Olympics.
Ralph took part in the Tokyo Games of 1964 where he obtained his first bronze medal. In 1968 he then secured silver, but it’s in 1972, at the Heidelberg Games, that he won his first gold medal in powerlifting. He was Great Britain’s first black Paralympian. He’s now commemorated in the British Weightlifting ‘Hall of Fame’.
Passionate about sports from a young age, John took up swimming, football, and track. Even during his six years in the U.S army, he continued to train extensively, hopeful to get into the Olympic Team of 1996. After a serious knee injury, John had his leg amputated and eventually made a comeback to track for the Paralympic Games of 2000 – he won silver for his 5.41 meters long-jump achievement.
Ade’s career in sport started when he was invited to play wheelchair basketball at a nearby sports club when he was 12 years-old. Inspired by the confidence of the other players, he thought of becoming a pro in the discipline. Having contracted polio as a baby, Ade’s legs were paralysed. He took part in the Athens Paralympic Games in 2004 and won his first bronze medal, followed by gold in 2005 at the inaugural Paralympic World Cup. He is now a TV presenter and author.
Breanna obtained a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, her very first Games. Like her mother before her, a silver medalist, she’s loved running and representing the United States worldwide. She was diagnosed with autism at 4 years-old, and started running in high school in 2010.
At the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, Kadeena snatched the gold in the velodrome by beating the world record at the time held by the Canadian O’Brien. She suffered a stroke in 2014 and was diagnosed with sclerosis shortly after. Practising both athletics and cycling, Kadeena became in 2016 the first Briton to win a gold medal in each discipline in the same Olympics.
Hopefully this has showcased some of the black paralympic talent throughout history, and may inspire you to get involved in sport. Happy Black History Month to all!
As always, stay defiant!
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