Illini in Paralympics

sbillini · Aug 25, 2021

Saw this come across my fb feed and thought it was worth sharing. Great to see such strong Illini representation! Best of luck to these hard work men and women (Illini or otherwise, but esp. illini!) :illinois:

Anyone have thoughts on why it seems the beloved is a destination for paraolympic athletes? I'm curious to learn more.

IllGuardU · Aug 25, 2021

sbillini said:
Saw this come across my fb feed and thought it was worth sharing. Great to see such strong Illini representation! Best of luck to these hard work men and women (Illini or otherwise, but esp. illini!)

Anyone have thoughts on why it seems the beloved is a destination for paraolympic athletes? I'm curious to learn more.

View attachment 12031

Thanks for sharing. Impressive list

ktal · Aug 25, 2021

I'm not sure its relationship with DIA, but there has been a long tradition of wheelchair athletic training in the C-U area. I found this site, but am surprised we're not shouting from the rooftops. Given the history of successful wheelchair athletes, Illinois should be showcasing those programs with pride.

For those interested, BBC has a feed tracking the paralymics events. Just go to BBC Sports and there should be a link at the top of the page.

sbillini · Aug 25, 2021

ktal said:
I'm not sure its relationship with DIA, but there has been a long tradition of wheelchair athletic training in the C-U area. I found this site, but am surprised we're not shouting from the rooftops. Given the history of successful wheelchair athletes, Illinois should be showcasing those programs with pride.

For those interested, BBC has a feed tracking the paralymics events. Just go to BBC Sports and there should be a link at the top of the page.

now that you mention that, it rang the bell about the netflix documentary that profiled Tatyana McFadden. I'm sure many on this board know about it/have seen it (or it's been discussed on here already), but I forgot to check it out when it first came out. Thanks for the reminder.

Agree that UI should make a bigger deal out of this. Seems like a no-brainer.

Tatyana McFadden on Why 'Rising Phoenix' Will Change How You Watch the Paralympics

The decorated wheelchair sprinter discusses the groundbreaking Netflix documentary and the work that’s left to be done in the Paralympics community.

www.esquire.com

ktal · Aug 25, 2021

sbillini said:
now that you mention that, it rang the bell about the netflix documentary about Tatyana McFadden. I'm sure many on this board know about it/have seen it (or it's been discussed on here already), but I forgot to check it out when it first came out. Thanks for the reminder.

Tatyana McFadden on Why 'Rising Phoenix' Will Change How You Watch the Paralympics

The decorated wheelchair sprinter discusses the groundbreaking Netflix documentary and the work that’s left to be done in the Paralympics community.

www.esquire.com

I looked further and found this Paralympic Training Site designation from 2014:
https://www.paralympic.org/news/university-illinois-announced-us-paralympic-training-site

BRucks · Aug 25, 2021

sbillini said:
Anyone have thoughts on why it seems the beloved is a destination for paraolympic athletes? I'm curious to learn more.

Tim Nugent.

chiefini · Aug 25, 2021

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“The University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign developed the first wheelchair-accessible bus system and competitive wheelchair sports program. An extensive array of assistive technology and personal attendant services help students succeed in and out of class.”
I agree that these Illini athletes are a huge deal, and the University should be promoting their national prowess and success on a higher level. That said, Go Illini!

:chief:

sbillini · Aug 25, 2021

BRucks said:
Tim Nugent.

Thanks for sharing. I've heard the name, but never bothered to read up on him. Interesting stuff.

BRucks · Aug 25, 2021

chiefini said:
Browse All Educational Resources | Education.com

Browse Educational Resources. Award winning educational materials designed to help kids succeed. Start for free now!

www.education.com

“The University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign developed the first wheelchair-accessible bus system and competitive wheelchair sports program. An extensive array of assistive technology and personal attendant services help students succeed in and out of class.”
I agree that these Illini athletes are a huge deal, and the University should be promoting their national prowess and success on a higher level. That said, Go Illini!

Jean Driscoll is arguably the most accomplished athlete in the history of the university. She should be in the DIA Hall of Fame. We've inducted 80 members to date, it's well past time that Jean gets her shot.