London Calling

The world's best athletes with disabilities are headed to England for the 2012 Paralympics. Three Paralympians share their feelings about commitment and what representing the U.S. has meant to them.

September 6, 2008. Scott Winkler remembers that day. 

“At first, I was hoping to medal,” the U.S. Army veteran says. “The more I thought about it, the more I said I didn’t care if I medaled—I was doing something most people couldn’t do. I got to serve my country again. First I fought for it, then I played for it.”

About 4,000 athletes from 148 countries gathered to take part in almost 500 events covering 20 sports at the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, China. The 2012 Games are in London, August 29–September 9, and similar numbers of athletes and countries are expected in England to compete in sports such as wheelchair rugby, basketball, tennis, shooting, and track and field (athletics).

Patriotic Memories

“That moment was the most exciting time in my entire life,” Winkler, 38, recalls. “Representing your country, wearing that flag on your chest, is an honor. I had tears in my eyes. I was so excited to be there. I never dreamed of days like that. It was so powerful being there.”

 

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