Paralympic athlete, who was left in a wheelchair by her ex-boyfriend, competed in France

Over lunch, Tracy Otto received news that would change her life again: she had been selected to participate in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France. The selection came as an unexpected surprise, with Otto still eating and surrounded by cameras.

“When they told me, I was just starting to eat lunch, so I had food in my mouth. I was crying and eating at the same time,” Otto told the BBC. The 28-year-old, who will compete in both mixed team and individual archery, expresses her amazement and joy at having reached this point after overcoming enormous personal challenges.

The violent attack that changed his life

In October 2019, Tracy Otto experienced a devastating attack at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, who had previously been arrested for a violent incident at his home. Despite taking steps to protect herself, the attacker broke into her home one night, armed with a BB gun, handcuffs, and a knife.

Otto remembers the attack with pain: “Suddenly, I heard a noise and saw a light shining in my face. It was my ex-boyfriend,” she says. The attacker beat her, shot her new boyfriend Ricky and left her seriously injured. Otto lost her left eye and was left paralyzed from the chest down, with multiple health complications.

A new beginning in archery

Despite the devastating aftermath of the attack, Otto found a new direction in his life by taking up adaptive archery in March 2021. Initially skeptical of her ability to take on the sport due to her physical limitations, Otto was committed to giving it a try and quickly threw herself into training.

“I was in the car with Ricky, thinking about what to do with all the free time. Then I thought, why not try archery?” Otto recalls. Her determination and effort led her to be selected for the Paralympic Games, where she will compete in one of the sports she is most passionate about.

Overcoming challenges and offering hope

Otto’s journey from hospital bed to the Paralympic stage is a story of resilience and strength. He faces daily challenges due to his condition, including problems with body temperature regulation and intestinal difficulties, as well as the inability to sense stimuli below his injury level.

However, his determination to return to an active life and his desire to inspire others are evident. Otto wants to be a “light of hope” for women who suffer violence, showing that overcoming is possible, even after extreme traumatic events.

Tracy Otto’s story not only highlights her courageous return to sport, but also underlines the importance of resilience and continued support. As she prepares to compete at the Paralympic Games in Paris, His journey inspires others to overcome their own challenges and find hope in the midst of adversity.