“They call me the Queen of Blades because I’ve won medals on three different blades.”

Kimberly Alkemade isn’t just fast—she’s transformative. From surviving a traumatic bus accident in France to standing on top of the podium in the same country decades later, Kimberly has rewritten her story of loss into one of power, healing, and purpose. “The sky turned orange,” she recalls of her golden moment at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris. “That’s the moment I’ll always remember. It felt like Mama was there." According to Kimberly, winning in France, where she lost her Mother and leg years earlier, was the "best therapy possible"

In this episode of Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, Kimberly shares how she went from seeking basic information at a Paralympic talent day in 2017 to becoming a world record-holding sprinter (twice over) and Paralympic medalist. That said, her journey isn’t just about her speed on the track; it’s about access, resilience, and advocacy. “Insurance doesn’t provide a sports prosthetic,” she explains, highlighting one of the biggest barriers facing para athletes. “You need to start crowdfunding or go to a foundation. That’s a worldwide problem.”

Now stepping away from elite competition, Kimberly is channeling her energy into her new social enterprise, Moving for Growth, aimed at making performance sports more accessible for people with disabilities. “We’re building a new infrastructure so that athletes can chase their dreams—just like I did.”

Her message? “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re not alone.”

From bronze to gold, from heartbreak to healing, Kimberly’s journey reminds us what it means to rise—on any blade.

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Flame Bearers is a media production company, celebrating exceptional women athletes. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events and have worked with over 270 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting.

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