Paralympians don't overcome their disability, they smash records and win medals

Olympians represent and demonstrate peak physical achievements and feats in sport. It is beyond a wonder how these individuals push themselves beyond their limits to defy expectations and achieve unbelievable records in many different activities. In the community of disability, the Paralympians are these incredible individuals - athletes that must not be defined by their disability but by their accomplishments. It is crucial that all of these prodigious athletes be seen for their sport, rather than overcoming their condition to reach such odds, whereby there is often a prevailing sentiment that they are inspirational for simply being able to perform such triumphs rather than for being the greatest at their sport. Paralympian Brendan hall is one of Australia's prime athletes, demonstrating his merit and skill time and time again. Hall has been an 8 time world champion, three time commonwealth games medallist and the reigning world record holder in men’s freestyle for 400m, 800m and 1500m.

Brendon lost his leg when he was younger due to a complication with a chicken pox infection and is also fully deaf in the right ear with a degree of hearing in the left, but he never let that stop him from moving forward and finding purpose as an individual in the world. This man and is accolades are an inspiration to everyone, not just those with a disability, just like every other Olympian that succeeds in these games standing on the podium with their medals. Not only does his vigorous training and achievements in competition show others that hard work enables such dreams to be fulfilled, but his attitude encourages others to contemplate and act. Hall notes that failure is just as important as success - allowing one to 'step back, re-evaluate and analyse to find out what adjustments can be made to come back better’. Therefore he emphasises, that falling short of the high goals one sets for themselves and maintaining a positive proactive mindset are significant methods of improving oneself. It is a way of ensuring that life is challenging by never taking the easy road and not being satisfied within one's comfort zone. Overall, Brendan encourages others through his career and attitude to strive for the big dreams and to fulfil one's passions in life. There is a lot we can all learn from him and other Paralympians, as the model and teachings they provide are applicable to everyone. We must stop viewing these athletes as less than or as heroes for overcoming their disability - they are heroes for being exceptional and for doing what most people can't.