Not by the Playbook - Paralympian Desirée Vila: ‘The only incurable thing is the desire to live’

Download Paralympian Desirée Vila: ‘The only incurable thing is the desire to live’

We’re live in Tokyo on Day 5 of the Paralympics, hearing from Spanish Paralympian Desirée Vila. An elite gymnast, she thought her sporting career was over after an injury that ultimately resulted in her losing her leg… but not only did she find Paralympic sport and is competing at her first Games, she’s also a powerful voice advocating positive body image in the Spanish-speaking world.

Swimmer Abbas Karimi, who is competing under the IPC’s refugee team, tells us why he had to flee Afghanistan when the Taliban first rose to power. We also hear from the man who won Japan’s first gold of the Games, swimmer Takayuki Suzuki, who tells us what life's like for the disabled community in Japan.

Mina Ahmadi, a member of the current Afghan women’s national team, tells us about her fears for those players who have not been able to leave the country.

Plus, reaction to the Netball Grand Final, the biggest prize in club netball in Australia.

Photo: Bartlomiej Zborowski

Published on Saturday, 28th August 2021.

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