Paris 2024: Turning Fears into Triumphs as a Reporter

As I reflect on my time covering the Paralympic Games in Paris for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), several standout moments come to mind. Each was remarkable in its own way—interviewing Jurgen Klopp about his friend Wojtek Czyz, experiencing Roland Garros as a Rafa Nadal fan, and witnessing the blind football final where France won gold for the first time ever at the Eiffel Tower Stadium.

But beyond these sporting highlights, the most meaningful part of this trip was the incredible support I received from my team. Reporting with a disability for the IPC was a challenge I had previously feared, but thanks to the dedicated and understanding people around me, I was able to thrive.

I owe a special thanks to Craig Spence, the Chief Brand & Communications Officer, who not only trusted me with this role but also made time to discuss Bayer Leverkusen’s football prospects with a smile, even amidst his busy schedule. His call in February about coming to Paris turned into a fun conversation about Leverkusen’s unbeaten run in the Bundesliga.

Jonas Oliveira, Head of Content, was always approachable and crucial in ensuring everything ran smoothly. Emma Storey, one of the best bosses I’ve had, was a constant source of support, always there with answers and alleviating pressure. Liz Montroy saved the day when I made a mistake with a morning preview, and Ayano Shimizu, Lisa Martin, Ruth Faulkner, and Gareth Walker were among the most interesting and supportive colleagues I’ve ever worked with. I’ll miss our daily discussions over breakfast.

Emma’s advice that the Games were a marathon, not a sprint, became my guiding principle. By the time the sports began, I had fully embraced this mindset, which allowed me to focus on telling stories—my true passion. Despite being new to the IPC and the Paralympics, the supportive environment enabled me to learn and adapt quickly.

No one treated me as a burden, which was a significant relief, given my past experiences. The TX service made navigating the city and venues manageable, easing my initial fears about transportation. I could perform my tasks without crippling anxiety and enjoyed the convenience of simply stepping outside to get a ride.

The experiences and opportunities from these past weeks have enriched my journalism career and bolstered my confidence. Paris 2024 showed me that I can achieve more than I had previously believed, even when stepping far outside my comfort zone.

I look back on this experience with immense pride and hope to have the chance to do something like this again in the future.