A Track Meet for the History Books

On July 29th, 2025, I woke my guide dog at 3:30am to get to the airport for our cross-country flight to Eugene, OR—otherwise known as Track Town USA. It was the week of the Para Track and Field National Championships, and I was a first-time competitor. The week was a culmination of a personal dream but also marked a historic moment for parasports. The United States of America Track and Field (USATF) Outdoor National Championships were going to feature both able-bodied athletes and para-athletes competing on the same stage for the first time ever. Getting to be a part of this inclusive event is a memory I will cherish for a lifetime! 

Why is it so important that para-athletes compete on the same stage as able-bodied athletes? There are several reasons. One of the biggest ones is media coverage. The USATF Championships are a well-watched competition for track fans all across the world. With para-athletes running at the same event, there is an opportunity for more exposure for everything from seated throws to frame running. 

Second, it shows solidarity between able-bodied and para-athletes. Even if there are different approaches to the sport, at the end of the day everyone competing has a love for what they do and are trying to do it at the highest level. The less we separate able-bodied and para-athletes, the more the sport can grow on both sides. It also helps to break down stigma and show that the two sides are truly equal. The Outdoor National Championships and the Para Nationals are both great events that highlight the best track and field athletes of the year. It makes sense to have them both at the same time! 

Lastly, it helps bring awareness and support to those with disabilities as a whole—not just the athletes. Since there were quite a few of us with varying conditions at the competition, the venue and event organizers had to make sure everything was accessible to everyone. Even if there were a few bumps along the road, this push for more widespread accessibility will make it easier for everyone in attendance. There was also a lot of great moments where those who did not know much about paratrack—or disabilities in general—got a chance to learn more about different conditions and grow in their empathy and understanding. 

 For example, while I was in Eugene, I had the chance to watch some of the races in-between my own. I was sitting in the crowd with my family when another family sat down nearby. They asked me a bit about my guide dog. After answering some questions about my own vison, I was able to explain to them the classification system used in paratrack and what most of the numbers mean. On the flip side, they were able to explain to me the different events in the heptathlon and how athletes are able to prepare for it. This conversation was fruitful on both ends as we both walked away learning something new! 

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to run at the first combined Para Nationals and Outdoor Championships. Hopefully this meet was the first of many as we look toward a more inclusive future for both able-bodied and parasports!