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 during which they shared highlights from the Paralympic Video games and their hopes for the long run.
Samsung Newsroom joined followers and media at Olympic™ rendezvous @ Samsung | Champs-Elysees 125 to listen to from Cox, gold medalist within the Para biking blended 750-meter crew dash C1-5, and Vila, who competed within the girls’s lengthy soar 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 profession. What motivated you to be your finest in all these totally different sports activities?
Cox: I’ve at all times cherished sports activities — my mother says I ran earlier than I may stroll. My mindset modified after I went from being an able-bodied athlete to being a Para athlete. While you’re disabled, individuals virtually 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 attempting to encourage individuals to really feel like they’re greater than their incapacity. It’s a must to try to reside your finest life as a result of we solely get one.
▲ Crew Samsung Galaxy’s Kadeena Cox discusses her ascent to develop into an achieved Paralympian.
Q. Desirée, you had been an expert acrobatic gymnast prior to changing into a profitable Para athlete. What was your journey like from aggressive acrobatic gymnastics to the lengthy soar?
Vila: I cherished doing acrobatics as a toddler, so I began gymnastics and finally competed internationally. After I broke my leg doing an acrobatic stunt on the trampoline, my largest concern was, “Am I going to have the ability to follow once more?” Rio 2016 was at a time when my bodily limitations had been occupying my ideas. Nonetheless, seeing individuals like me within the opening ceremony helped me perceive that I may overcome what I used to be going via if I’ve an open thoughts. Being an athlete earlier than the amputation helped me with my mindset and allowed me to give attention to what I needed to realize.
▲ Crew Samsung Galaxy’s Desirée Vila recollects her journey from acrobatic gymnastics to Para athletics.
Q. Kadeena, you skilled a major setback at these Paralympic Video games earlier than changing into a Paralympic gold medalist for the fifth time! How do you discover the energy and resilience to succeed in your objectives throughout difficult occasions?
Cox: After my stroke at 23, I believed I might get better and transfer on with my life — however quickly I used to be identified 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 individuals 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 fulfill forward of Paris 2024, however there was a second after I wasn’t superhuman. I used to be in a position to 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 blended 750-meter crew dash C1-5. (Picture by Getty Photos)
Q. Desirée, you’ve written a e-book that may be very open about your challenges. How do you suppose being open has set you up for achievement each on and off the observe?
Vila: Abruptly shedding a leg and having to simply accept a brand new physique is difficult. I keep 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 associates nonetheless wish to hang around with me?” Concern is relatable, and lots of people really feel this manner once they expertise issues all through their lives. To manage, I began writing to assist me course of every part I’ve been via 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 suppose we’re on a pedestal after we truly take care of 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 necessary to be open to alter. Life was actually throwing me curveballs, however I stayed open to each impediment. Now, I’m among the finest cyclists on the planet! Change isn’t essentially at all times good — however, typically, it may be wonderful once you’re open to it.
▲ Kadeena Cox discusses her open-mindedness.
Q. Whether or not you’re coaching or enjoyable, you each in all probability depend on expertise. What are some methods you employ expertise in your day-to-day life?
Cox: As a sprinter, how you get out of the gate is important to organising the remainder of your race. With the most recent Galaxy cellular expertise, I can watch my begins again and again — whether or not I’m taking a look at totally different angles or utilizing Immediate Gradual-mo 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, expertise has been necessary in serving to me share my expertise with MS and drive consciousness.
Vila: Utilizing expertise to share candid moments with others on social media is necessary as an athlete as a result of individuals solely see moments like once you get to the Paralympic Video games or once you win a medal. They don’t see the day by day wrestle and the work that was wanted to get there. As an athlete, it’s necessary 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 Interpreter on the Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Version.
▲ (From left) Desirée Vila and Kadeena Cox pose for a selfie.
