Today, we have Paralympian Hannah Dederick on the show. Hannah is a two-time Paralympian and a wheelchair athlete in the T-54 class. She competed in the Tokyo Paralympics at just 18 years old, making her the youngest wheelchair athlete at those Games. In Tokyo, she placed fourth in the 100 meters. At the Paris Paralympics, she competed in the 100, 400, and 800 meters, finishing sixth in the 100, fourth in the 400, and seventh in the 800, making it to all three event finals.

In addition to her Paralympic achievements, Hannah is a three-time marathoner, having competed in the New York, Boston, and Chicago marathons. She also made history by winning the first-ever National Collegiate Wheelchair Championship in the 100 meters at Hayward Field. This was a major milestone, as it marked the first time there had been a National Collegiate Wheelchair Championship, alongside other events like basketball and tennis. Big progress is being made in the world of para-sport!

Hannah’s story is truly incredible. Born in China with spina bifida, she was adopted at the age of four from an orphanage. She discovered para-sport at the age of 12 through her local Shriners Hospital, and from there, the rest is history. She has been competing in para-sport for over 10 years now, making her world stage debut at just 16 years old. Currently, she is studying at the University of Illinois.

Hannah’s journey is remarkable, and I’m excited for you to hear her story. I hope this conversation not only inspires you but also opens your eyes to the world of para-sport.

Thanks for being here, and please enjoy my conversation with Hannah Dederick.

What we talked about:

Being a part of the first ever NCAA Wheelchair Track Championships

The importance of inclusion in college sports

Where she finds strength on hard training days

Her range in events from sprints to the marathon

Training with the University of Illinois

Her childhood

Looking ahead to her career trajectory

Increasing the visibility of parathletics

Goals for the future in sport and beyond

Show notes:

Move United

Challenge Athlete Foundation

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