PD in the Paralympics

Rower Todd Vogt will soon be off to Paris to represent the United States and the Parkinson’s Community at the Paralympics. Todd was diagnosed with PD at the age of 42 in 2018.

Like me, a lifelong athlete, he thought his athletic career was over when he learned he had Young Onset Parkinson’s disease.

After a rough start, he connected with others who had been living with Parkinson’s disease. He learned that by making intense exercise a priority, he may actually be able to slow the progression of the disease, and increase the quality of his future.

People with Parkinson’s can have huge benefits by connecting with others who are going or who have been through the same experiencees. By supporting each other and encouraging each other to think big and take on challenges we can stay motivated to keep fighting.

Todd attempted to qualify for the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics but was named an alternate. He got back to work, trained hard and has qualified to compete in the Paralympics in Rowing, which will take place next week in Paris.

The Paraylmpic opening ceremonies will be August 28. The Paralympic rowing competition will be held August 30 and 31.

I have attached a few links if you want to learn more about his story. This interview for the Davis Phinney Foundation is very good. I feel like he has had very similar experiences to me on his journey to get to where he is..

Todd’s story inspires me to keep chasing my Paralympic dreams, after my tumble at the Paralympic Track and Field Trials in July..

https://youtube.com/watch?v=XafgyqbbvU0%3Ffeature%3Doembed
https://usrowing.org/news/meet-todd-vogt-paris-2024-paralympian

http://toddvogtrowing.com

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