We are so excited to welcome teammate and friend, Keegan Knott, onto the podcast this week! Keegan is a two time Paralympian with lots of firsthand navigating the NCAA, and elite level swimming with her disability. Our conversation delves into honest conversations about identity and success, highlighting the challenges and experiences of Paralympic athletes.

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/

Keegan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keeganknott/

MERCH: https://opticaldelusionpod.etsy.com

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Optical Delusion and New Merchandise
• 23:53 Adapting to Disabilities
• 41:11 International Swimming Adventures
• 46:21 Competing and Bonding in Different Cities
• 54:44 Unexpected Life Stories

The podcast episode features a conversation with Paralympian Hannah Dederick, a two-time Paralympian in wheelchair racing. The discussion covers Hannah's journey, experiences at the Paralympic Games, and the competitive selection process for the Paralympic team. Hannah Dederick shares her personal journey of being adopted and moving to the United States, as well as the positive impact of the Paralympic movement on her life.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/

Etsy: https://opticaldelusionpod.etsy.com

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Optical Delusion
• 05:16 Hannah's Journey and Training
• 13:56 Competing and Medal Success
• 23:38 The Paralympic Selection Process
• 42:07 Personal Journey and Adoption

The podcast episode features an interview with 4x World Gold Medalist, Paralympic swimmer Katie Kubiak. The conversation covers Katie's experience at NYU, accessibility in New York City, her journey into para swimming. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by para athletes in collegiate athletics, highlighting the lack of representation and resources for these athletes. It also explores the impact of inequity on para athletes and the need for equity and inclusion in collegiate athletics and the film industry!!

Our Instagram: instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/

Katie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie.kubiak/

100metersfilm: https://www.instagram.com/100metersfilm/

Our merch!: https://opticaldelusionpod.etsy.com

Use code "POD20" for 20% off N-2 water! : https://www.n-2water.com/

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Optical Delusion
• 05:32 Introducing Katie Kubiak
• 11:10 Katie's First Para Meet and Journey into Para Swimming
• 22:06 The Need for Support and Advocacy for Para Athletes
• 27:17 The Impact of Inequity on Para Athletes
• 32:19 Internalized Ableism and Mental Health in Sports
• 39:45 Equity and Inclusion in Collegiate Athletics
• 46:13 The Cost of Disability and Equity
• 55:07 The Journey of Personal Growth

The conversation covers the Winter Paralympic Games experience for the sibling duo of Meg and Spenser Gustafson! We fly into the world of guide skiing in the Paralympics, the challenges of training and competing in Paralympic sports, and the community surrounding athletes! Meg and Spenser were amazing guests and brought so much knowledge!!

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/

Our conversation covers Gia's Paralympic journey, her experiences in Tokyo and Paris, and the memories from the Team USA house. We also dive into reflections on past competitions, the formation of the S13 Dynasty, and the support and camaraderie among the athletes alongside the importance of mental health!!

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/

Gia's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gia.pergolini/

The podcast episode features a discussion with members of Team USA's women's sled hockey team, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for women's sled hockey, the impact of para sports and representation, and an introduction to sled hockey and equipment description. Kelsey DiClaudio and Maddy Eberhard have competed in this sport their whole lives and bring a passion into seeing it grow onto the Paralympic stage.

Kelsey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey.diclaudio/

Maddy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddyeberhard/

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
• 10:02 Challenges and Opportunities for Women's Sled Hockey
• 17:00 Impact of Para Sports and Representation
• 23:01 Introduction to Sled Hockey and Equipment Description
• 32:17 The Cost of Custom Sleds and Fitted Buckets
• 37:32 Traveling Mishaps and Wheelchair Transportation
• 51:31 The Unexpected Bonds and Sisterhood in Sled Hockey

The conversation transitions into a deeper exploration of Paralympic sport and the importance of representation. The interview with Ali Truwit covers her journey as a Paralympic swimmer, her advocacy work, and the impact of her nonprofit organization, Stronger Than You Think. The conversation delves into Ali Truwit's personal growth and advocacy journey, highlighting the challenges and acceptance in adversity, and the pursuit of equity in the Paralympic movement.

Takeaways

• Representation matters
• The power of community and support Growth through adversity
• Advocacy and representation

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Billboard Experience
• 08:57 Interview with Ali Truwit
• 40:37 Equity in Paralympic Movement

In this episode, Grace and Olivia welcome Morgan Ray as the first guest they ever recorded an interview with, setting the stage for an authentic conversation about the realities of life as a Paralympic athlete. With a blend of humor and insightful reflections, the trio explores the importance of sharing untold stories and connecting through shared experiences.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/

The Winter Paralympics bring forth not only incredible athletic achievements but also the power of human spirit. These are not just competitions; they are narratives that inspire and unite.

In this episode, we deep dive into the stories thus far in the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. There is already so much to cover and we hope you are as tuned in as we are!!

VIDEO RETURNING NEXT EPISODE

The Winter Paralympics often remain in the shadow of their Summer counterpart, leaving many unaware of the incredible stories and athletes involved. So, what does it really take to compete at this level? In this episode, we'll explore insights from Paralympian Dani Aravich as she discusses her journey into cross-country skiing and the unique aspects of the Winter Games.

Dani Aravich is a dedicated athlete training for her third Paralympics, having transitioned from summer sports to the world of winter sports. With a background in track and field, Dani has embraced her role as a cross-country skier and biathlete. She was born without her left hand and forearm, which adds a unique perspective to her athletic journey. Dani not only competes but also co-founded Culxtured, showcasing her passion for the Paralympic movement and adaptive sports.

Dani's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonearmdan?igsh=MWFzc2ZncWUxejgyOQ==

Culxtured's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culxtured?igsh=MWllbXQ0djZyc2h5bw==