With their Paris 2024 Paralympic Video games competitions behind them, Crew Samsung Galaxy athletes Kadeena Cox (Para biking, Nice Britain) and Desirée Vila (Para athletics, Spain) joined Samsung for Chat with Crew Samsung Galaxy — an unique dialog wherein they shared highlights from the Paralympic Video games and their hopes for the longer term.
Samsung Newsroom joined followers and media at Olympic™ rendezvous @ Samsung | Champs-Elysees 125 to listen to from Cox, gold medalist within the Para biking combined 750-meter workforce dash C1-5, and Vila, who competed within the ladies’s lengthy leap T63.
▲ Chat with Crew Samsung Galaxy at Olympic™ rendezvous @ Samsung | Champs-Elysees 125
▲ (From left) Desirée Vila of Crew Spain and Kadeena Cox of Crew Nice Britain
Q. Kadeena, you’ve competed throughout a number of occasions throughout your Paralympic Video games profession. What motivated you to be your finest in all these totally different sports activities?
Cox: I’ve at all times liked sports activities — my mother says I ran earlier than I might stroll. My mindset modified once I went from being an able-bodied athlete to being a Para athlete. Whenever you’re disabled, folks nearly restrict you and see what you may’t do versus what you are able to do. For me, the final 10 years have been about pushing these boundaries and making an attempt to encourage folks to really feel like they’re greater than their incapacity. It’s a must to try to stay your finest life as a result of we solely get one.
▲ Crew Samsung Galaxy’s Kadeena Cox discusses her ascent to turn into an achieved Paralympian.
Q. Desirée, you had been knowledgeable acrobatic gymnast prior to turning into a profitable Para athlete. What was your journey like from aggressive acrobatic gymnastics to the lengthy leap?
Vila: I liked doing acrobatics as a baby, so I began gymnastics and finally competed internationally. After I broke my leg doing an acrobatic stunt on the trampoline, my largest worry was, “Am I going to have the ability to observe once more?” Rio 2016 was at a time when my bodily limitations had been occupying my ideas. Nonetheless, seeing folks like me within the opening ceremony helped me perceive that I might overcome what I used to be going by way of if I’ve an open thoughts. Being an athlete earlier than the amputation helped me with my mindset and allowed me to concentrate on what I needed to realize.
▲ Crew Samsung Galaxy’s Desirée Vila remembers her journey from acrobatic gymnastics to Para athletics.
Q. Kadeena, you skilled a big setback at these Paralympic Video games earlier than turning into a Paralympic gold medalist for the fifth time! How do you discover the power and resilience to succeed in your objectives throughout difficult instances?
Cox: After my stroke at 23, I believed I might get better and transfer on with my life — however quickly I used to be recognized with a number of sclerosis (MS) which is a lifelong situation. As an athlete, I used to be decided to get again into sports activities. I already had that mindset of purpose setting and seeing my development. When folks began messaging me saying that what I used to be doing was encouraging them, my purpose shifted to empowering others. I had excessive expectations to satisfy forward of Paris 2024, however there was a second once I wasn’t superhuman. I used to be capable of bounce again and win gold in my subsequent race by being open about my struggles. I hope that encourages others to beat challenges in their very own lives.
▲ Kadeena Cox of Crew Nice Britain celebrates after profitable gold within the Para biking combined 750-meter workforce dash C1-5. (Photograph by Getty Photos)
Q. Desirée, you’ve written a e-book that could be very open about your challenges. How do you assume being open has set you up for fulfillment each on and off the monitor?
Vila: Immediately dropping a leg and having to simply accept a brand new physique is difficult. I bear in mind being within the hospital and considering, “Will I ever be capable to stroll once more?” or “Will I ever have a boyfriend?” or “Will my buddies nonetheless need to hang around with me?” Concern is relatable, and lots of people really feel this fashion after they expertise issues all through their lives. To manage, I began writing to assist me course of every part I’ve been by way of and the way I’m overcoming my state of affairs. Sharing the dangerous issues exhibits that we’re not superhumans. Staying clear has helped me perceive that I’m greater than my bodily look.
Q. Kadeena, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Video games promised to be a ‘Video games Broad Open.’ What does Samsung’s Paris 2024 theme of ‘Open at all times wins’ imply to you?
Cox: Individuals see athletes and assume we’re on a pedestal once we truly cope with regular, real-life issues like everybody else. Being open about our personal challenges helps others face in theirs and really feel much less alone. Additionally, it’s vital to be open to alter. Life was actually throwing me curveballs, however I stayed open to each impediment. Now, I’m probably the greatest cyclists on this planet! Change isn’t essentially at all times good — however, generally, it may be wonderful if you’re open to it.
▲ Kadeena Cox discusses her open-mindedness.
Q. Whether or not you’re coaching or stress-free, you each most likely depend on know-how. What are some methods you utilize know-how in your day-to-day life?
Cox: As a sprinter, how you get out of the gate is vital to organising the remainder of your race. With the most recent Galaxy cellular know-how, I can watch my begins again and again — whether or not I’m totally different angles or utilizing the moment slow-mo function to actually hone in on the place I’m placing my legs and arms. The movies are extraordinarily useful when reviewing with my coach. As well as, know-how has been vital in serving to me share my expertise with MS and drive consciousness.
Vila: Utilizing know-how to share candid moments with others on social media is vital as an athlete as a result of folks solely see moments like if you get to the Paralympic Video games or if you win a medal. They don’t see the every day battle and the work that was wanted to get there. As an athlete, it’s vital to point out that there’s not at all times going to be good outcomes — and that’s okay!
▲ Kadeena Cox checks out the Samsung Olympic Video games Pin assortment.
▲ Desirée Vila makes use of the interpreter function on the Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Version.
▲ (From left) Desirée Vila and Kadeena Cox pose for a selfie.
