🎾 Dana Mathewson’s Road to the 2024 Paris Paralympics - Wheelchair Tennis 🎾

Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast

Welcome Dana Mathewson, wheelchair tennis Paralympic Athlete

In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, host Alycia Anderson sits down with Dana Mathewson, a two-time Paralympic athlete who is currently preparing for the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Dana shares her incredible journey from being diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis at age 10 to becoming the top-ranked American woman in wheelchair tennis. With multiple titles, including a Wimbledon Championship and two gold medals from the Parapan American Games,

Dana shares how she discovered wheelchair tennis at age 13, the significant role her mother played in her life, and how her competitive spirit fueled her rise to the top of the sport. She also delves into the impact of para sports on changing societal perceptions of disability and her ambitions as she gears up to represent the United States in Paris.

Key Moments:

Dana’s Diagnosis and Early Challenges: Dana opens up about her sudden diagnosis with transverse myelitis at the age of 10 and the impact it had on her life and self-identity as a young athlete.

Discovering Wheelchair Tennis: Dana shares how she found wheelchair tennis at age 13, thanks to her mom's encouragement, and the immediate connection she felt with the sport.

Role Models in Adaptive Sports: Dana discusses the powerful influence of athletes like Karen Korb and Sharon Clark, who helped shape her belief in her own potential..

Looking Ahead to Paris 2024: Dana shares her focus and preparation for the upcoming Paris Paralympics and her continued commitment to growing the next generation of adaptive athletes.

Quote:

"Chase butterflies, because good things usually happen from them." - Dana Mathewson

Moments:

0:00 - Introduction and Today’s Guest

0:30 - Dana’s Journey with Transverse Myelitis

3:15 - Discovering Wheelchair Tennis

6:45 - The Role of Family Support

10:20 - Competitive Drive and Achievements

14:05 - Winning the Parapan American Games

18:30 - The Power of Para Sports

21:45 - Looking Ahead to Paris 2024

26:10 - Dana’s Pushing Forward Moment

28:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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