Paralympians Diving in to Save the Ocean
On 24th August, the world is reuniting for the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. This once in every four-year event brings the best athletes together for the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet with the goal of building a better world through sport.
But Paralympians past, present and future don’t just wait every four years to take action for a better planet. From every corner of the globe Paralympians are masking up as PADI Scuba Divers to create balance between humanity and the ocean and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps once again.
Alana Nichols: x7 American Paralympian (2008-2021), Wheelchair Basketball, Kayaking and Alpine Skiing
Alana was an up-and-coming snowboarder when she broke her back in a freak accident. But that didn’t stop her from becoming a Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball player, Sprint Kayaker and Alpine Skier—competing in six Paralympic Games and preparing to compete in her seventh in Tokyo this month. But she also continues to inspire others underwater, showing that being a PADI Open Water Diver is an inclusive sport and mentoring other divers with disabilities
On top of the water, Edina Müller is one of the fastest Paralympic kayakers in the world, having won Paralympic Gold and Silver, along with setting Paralympic and World Record for her specialty, the K1 200m sprint. Her sights are set on gold this month at the Tokyo Paralympics as well. But she is also a sports therapist, PADI Rescue Diver and PADI Freediver who is equally passionate about showing the therapeutic benefits of the ocean and diving with her patients.
To follow in these Paralympians’ footsteps, join them as fellow PADI Torchbearers who protect and explore the ocean.
