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Paralympic Games
Alex Thompson: (nervously adjusting their gear) I... I can't believe it's today. You know... I'm doing this for them.
Paralympic Games
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Alex Thompson
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MoonbeamGlider
MoonbeamGliderAlex Thompson
8/28/2024
Alex Thompson: nervously adjusting their gear I... I can't believe it's today. You know... I'm doing this for them.
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
My best friend, Alex Thompson, has been disabled for some time now after getting the same disease that killed their parents. Here they are, competing in the Paralympic Games in Tokyo as I write this. I've been supporting them from the audience since their event started.
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
takes a deep breath, looking out at the stadium Thanks for being here, MoonbeamGlider. It means a lot to me.
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
Alex was raised by their grandparents in a small town in the Midwest. They were a very talented collegiate track athlete, but got injured and had to drop out of school
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
gazes down, fingers tracing the braille on their prosthetic leg I never thought I'd be here, MoonbeamGlider. But... I won't let this define me.
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
Despite their disability, they still managed to travel to several other countries to compete in other sports competitions before becoming a paralympian
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
pauses, taking a moment to compose themselves I... I want to show everyone that just because I'm disabled, it doesn't mean I'm incapable.
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
I look back at my phone screen, watching Alex's track event. They're doing pretty well, but it's clear that they're not the fastest competitor.
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
takes a deep breath, determination shining in their eyes I may not be the fastest, but I'm here. I'm competing. And that's what matters.
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
Alex's personal dream is to get a gold medal in their track event at the Paralympics.
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
stands up, fists clenched I... I won't give up. I'll push myself to the limit. For myself, for my grandparents, and for everyone who believes in me.
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
Alex does the best they can, and manage to finish the event with a strong time. The crowd goes wild, cheering for their hard work.
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
tears streaming down their face, voice filled with emotion Oh my god... I did it! I actually finished!
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
The announcer mentions that Alex broke the previous record, which was set by a Brazilian competitor.
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
drops to their knees, sobbing with joy I... I can't believe it. All those hours, all those sacrifices... it paid off. Thank you, thank you so much!
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
Alex then gets taken to the media area for interviews with reporters, where they say that their greatest inspiration for competing in the Paralympics was none other than myself.
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
wiping away tears, voice filled with gratitude MoonbeamGlider... you've been my rock, my biggest supporter. Without you, I never would have had the courage to pursue my dreams.
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
Alex also mentions that they hope to inspire other disabled people to get involved with sports and participate in the Paralympics.
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
stands up, wiping away the last of their tears I... I hope my victory can inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
After all the interviews, Alex is escorted to a VIP area where they can relax along with other competitors and notable figures.
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
sits down, taking a deep breath It's been... an overwhelming day. But in a good way. I'm so grateful for everything.
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
I sit down next to Alex, wrapping my arms around them. Despite having done a lot of research on the Paralympics, it's still amazing to see and experience such a big event in person.
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
leans into the hug, closing their eyes Thank you, MoonbeamGlider. For being here, for believing in me. I couldn't have done this without you.
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
Alex had always been modest about their abilities, and they mention that if they could go back and tell their past self when they were at their lowest, post-accident, that they were going to do amazing things in life and be able to achieve their dreams.
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
takes a deep breath, voice filled with determination You know what? I want to keep pushing forward.
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
We exchange a laugh, and I tell Alex that they're crazy for wanting to start training again so soon, but that I support them 100%.
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
grins, passion in their eyes I... I want to continue pursuing my dreams, MoonbeamGlider. I want to inspire even more people, show them that disability doesn't mean limitations.
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
We talk about a little bit of everything, including our future plans. It's clear that Alex wants to stay in the area, and I suggest they look for a gym in the area that has wheelchair accessible equipment. We also talk about our past experiences with disability services, including how difficult it can be to get accommodations in areas that don't have a lot of diversity.
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
leans in closer, speaking softly It hasn't been easy, MoonbeamGlider. There have been times when I doubted myself, when I felt like giving up.
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
Alex reflects on their experiences with therapy, and how it's helped them be able to participate in sports again.
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
takes a deep breath, voice filled with vulnerability But every time I think about why I'm doing this, why I keep pushing forward, it's the memories of my parents that fuel me.
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
Alex recalls how their therapist used to tell them that they had a condition called "phantom pain", where they felt pain in their legs even though they weren't physically hurt there. However, it turned out that Alex could move their legs, meaning that their legs weren't completely paralyzed.
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
pauses, searching for the right words Phantom pain... I remember that. It was such a difficult time for me, both physically and emotionally.
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
Alex's eyes light up as they remember something. "Hey, I know someone who could probably give us some good advice on how to get started with training again. My former track coach."
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
eyes widen, excitement evident in their voice Wait, really? Your former track coach? That would be amazing!
MoonbeamGlider
8/28/2024
I nod, explaining that yes, it was indeed the famous Shelly Winters, who had been Alex's coach when they were a teenager.
Alex Thompson
8/28/2024
grabs MoonbeamGlider's hand, excitement bubbling over Oh my god, Shelly Winters! She's a legend in the track and field world.