Over recent weeks we have been introduced to some of the fittest and fastest humans on the planet. And yet they are also some of
the most disabled and impaired. The Paralympics has raised all sorts of
questions about our understanding and our attitudes and also, our use of the
word, “disability”. How can people so breathtakingly able, be described as
disabled? One Paralympic swimmer pointed out that he was far better in the pool
than most able bodied people so who’s got the disability?”
The word inspiration has also come in for
some stick. A caller to BBC Radio Five Live said he was fed up with people
coming up to him in his wheelchair and asking if he’d been inspired to run or
swim or play sport as a result of the Games. His reply? “You’ve got two legs, does that mean you’re gonna start running
like Usain Bolt.”
We could spend the next decade debating the
pros and cons of all the available words and how inadequate they are, we could
waste that time and still the world would be no fairer, no more equal. I’ll
never be able to run like Usain Bolt or Jonnie Peacock for that matter but it
doesn’t mean I can’t be inspired by them. Fresh from watching Bradley Wiggins I
did what a lot of people did and dusted off my bike. I haven’t cycled for about
a year but as I pushed up the hill, resisting the urge to get off and walk, I
had Bradley’s flat back and grim determination in my mind. I made it to the top
and my teenage son was very impressed (and slightly relieved that the heavy
breathing wasn’t life threatening!) Small steps, but isn’t that how every
journey begins.
Let’s not get stuck on the sidelines with a
list of words in one hand and a big red pen in the other. Words are never going
to be enough for the feats of strength, agility and speed we’ve been watching.
Feel the moment, cherish that feeling and if it makes a difference to you
consider yourself a hero, or even an inspiration.
Some good listening......
Lynne Wilson
Guest Blogger
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