Yes! it’s Athletics Paralympics 2024! In this article, I make highlight of the interesting moments in the ongoing Athletics Paralympics 2024, the history, and others.
Love and passion for horse riding, Roxanne Trunnell on journey of a lifetime, a two-time Paralympic equestrian champion from the USA, is on the cusp of what could be her most significant achievement yet: defending her titles at the Paris Athletics Paralympics 2024.
Contents
Athletics Paralympics 2024: The Story
For Trunnell, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her early aspirations in able-bodied dressage to overcoming a life-altering illness, her story is a testament to resilience, determination, and an unwavering passion for horses.
A Lifelong Passion for Horses
Horses have always been at the heart of Roxanne Trunnell’s life. Growing up in Washington, she was drawn to the world of dressage, with dreams of one day competing in the Olympic Games.
Her dedication to the sport was evident from a young age, as she spent countless hours in the saddle, honing her skills and preparing for the future she envisioned. Riding wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way of life. When her friends were out socializing, Trunnell was at horse shows, completely immersed in the equestrian world.
Athletics Paralympics 2024: Roxanne Trunnell on journey of a lifetime
However, her life took an unexpected turn in 2009 when she contracted the H1N1 virus. The illness left her in a coma and, upon waking, she found herself using a wheelchair.
Read Also: Columbus Blue Jackets’ Johnny and Brother Matthew Gaudreau Killed in an Accident
The devastating change in her physical abilities could have ended her equestrian career, but Trunnell’s passion for riding remained undiminished. It became a crucial part of her recovery.
The Healing Power of Riding
For Trunnell, riding was not just about competition—it was therapy. “Riding has hugely helped me, not only for the physical aspect of it but more mentally,” she reflects. After her illness, returning to the barn became a vital part of her routine.
Even on days when she couldn’t ride, simply being around horses—feeding them carrots and cookies—provided a sense of normalcy in a world that had drastically changed.
The physical challenges she faced didn’t disappear when she was in the saddle, but they became manageable. Trunnell explains, “I have difficulty walking far without falling, but when I am on top of a horse, its legs become an extension of my own legs, and I am able to walk longer and further than I normally would be able to.” This connection with her horses, where they seemingly lent her their strength and mobility, allowed her to continue pursuing the sport she loved.
Building Bonds with Her Equine Partners
One of the keys to Trunnell’s success in Para equestrian has been the deep bond she forms with her horses. She believes that this connection is what motivates them to perform their best in competitions. “After a ride, I always make sure to give the horse treats. Even on days I’m not riding, I go to the barn to just love on them,” she says.
Trunnell understands that at the highest levels of competition, the relationship between horse and rider is paramount. “When it comes down to it, it is just up to you and your horse, out there in that ring, to give the judges chills, so the extra time you spend with your horse matters.”
Read Also: American University Scholarship Emerging Global Leader 2025
Athletics Paralympics 2024: Roxanne Trunnell on journey of a lifetime
Her first years in Para equestrian were spent riding Nice Touch—affectionately known as “Touché”—a horse she had competed with as an able-bodied rider. Together, they competed at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in France, where Touché was the oldest horse on the USA Para dressage team.
Although Trunnell has since semi-retired Touché, she still rides her at home, and the 28-year-old horse remains in excellent health, a testament to the care and affection Trunnell provides.
Overcoming Adversity at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics
Trunnell made her Paralympic debut at the Rio 2016 Games, an experience she describes as “a mess.” Although she didn’t come away with medals, the experience of being surrounded by the world’s greatest Para athletes was invaluable.
“Just staying at the Athletes’ Village, eating at the cafeteria with all the various athletes, was an eye-opener and led me to not being so in awe of all of it when the 2020 Paralympic Games came around,” she recalls.
Physical and Emotional Challenges: Athletics Paralympics 2024
By the time the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics arrived, Trunnell was mentally and physically better prepared. However, the lead-up to the Games was far from easy.
She was dealing with a physical issue that caused her significant pain, and while the USA team was at their training camp in Germany, she received the devastating news that someone close to her had died by suicide.
The combination of physical and emotional pain could have derailed her performance, but with the support of her team’s physiotherapist and the ability to stay connected with friends who shared her grief, Trunnell was able to push through.
Athletics Paralympics 2024: The Medal
In Tokyo, Trunnell’s perseverance paid off in the most spectacular way. She won gold medals in both the Individual competition and the Individual Freestyle test, as well as a bronze medal in the Team dressage event.
Reflecting on her achievements, she says, “I look back on the Games with a smile because there were some tough things going on, but I didn’t just curl up in a fetal position and give up when things got hard.”
Staying Grounded Despite Success: Athletics Paralympics 2024
Despite her success at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Trunnell remains humble and grounded. In fact, she didn’t even realize she was in contention for a gold medal until her trainer told her.
“I was coming out of the arena when they announced my score and my trainer said, ‘Yes, you’re in the gold medal position.’ Then I realized I had totally forgotten I was riding at the Paralympics,” she laughs. For her, the competition felt like “just another ride” with her trainer, and she focused on riding as if no one was watching.
It wasn’t until she was on the plane back to the United States that the magnitude of her accomplishments truly hit her.
“I was like, ‘Wow, I just competed at the Paralympics against some of the best Para dressage riders in the world and walked away with three medals. How cool is that?’” she marvels.
Yet, despite the accolades, Trunnell remains the same “goofy, horse-loving ‘Roxie’” who grew up in Washington. She describes herself as more of a cowgirl than an elite Para dressage rider, saying, “I just happen to be pretty good at riding around in circles.”
Eyes on Paris: Athletics Paralympics 2024
As Paris 2024 approaches, Trunnell is focused on defending her titles. She sees the upcoming Games as an opportunity to prove that her success in Tokyo was not a fluke. “It would show the world that I’m not just a ‘flash in the pan’ rider. Just because I had success at the last Paralympics doesn’t mean I stopped working on my riding,” she says.
Trunnell knows that the competition will be fierce, with other riders just as hungry for gold. To maintain her edge, she continues to refine her training and is even qualifying more than one horse for the Games.
Looking ahead, Trunnell is excited about what Paris 2024 will bring. “The riders work harder, the training is getting more fine-tuned, and the quality of horses is improving. It’s going to be quite a fight for the medals,” she predicts.
Athletics Paralympics 2024: Trunnel Passion For Riding
For Roxanne Trunnell, the journey to Paris 2024 is not just about winning medals—it’s about continuing to grow as a rider, deepening her bond with her horses, and demonstrating to the world that she is a force to be reckoned with in Para equestrian.
As she prepares for the challenge ahead, one thing is certain: Trunnell’s passion for horses and her unwavering determination will continue to drive her forward, no matter the obstacles she faces. Athletics Paralympics 2024: Roxanne Trunnell on journey of a lifetime.
