PORTLAND, Ore. — The Paralympics in Paris just wrapped up, and for a couple Portland-area local athletes who were there for the first time, the experience was surreal.
In this week's Healthier Together segment, two Paralympians spoke with KGW after they returned from the games, hoping their achievements inspire others.
"The size of the competition and everything was on a bigger scale. It was so huge," said Dennis Connors, a Paracyclist from Beaverton who just brought home a silver medal in the men’s T1-2 road race.
Connors said it was hardest race he'd ever done in his life.
"I was never happier to get second place in a race," he said.
Todd Vogt, who trains in Portland, also just got back from Paris. He is a Paralympic rower.
"The trip was amazing," Vogt said. "There was like 10,000 people […] in the grandstands by the bleachers."
Vogt has Parkinson’s disease. He was diagnosed just before his 44th birthday. Connors had multiple traumatic brain injuries from three combat tours in Iraq while serving in the Marine Corps. He has also had two strokes.
"My disability is left-sided weakness and partial paralysis and ataxia, which is a lack of coordination and balance," Connors said.
"Having Parkinson's, I wouldn't necessarily wish that upon others. Parkinson's did allow me to do some really cool interesting things, so it makes me think sometimes life provides you opportunities, even in bad situations," Vogt said.
He and Connors hope they can inspire other athletes.
"One of my sayings is never quit doing the things you love to do. I'm a rock climber. I've been a rock climber since I was 11 years old. I'm a snowboarder. It took four years to figure out how to get back on a snowboard, but I never quit doing that. I love bicycle racing. After my stroke, I couldn't race a bike anymore, so I raced a trike, and I raced a trike for Team USA," Connors said. "So just never quit doing the things you love. Find that thing you love and just follow it as far as it will take you."
As for their future in the Paralympics? Vogt said he's not sure what his future holds, but he knows rowing has always been and will continue to be a big part of his life. Connors said Los Angeles, the next city hosting the Olympic and Paralympic games, is in his sights.
"I think this could definitely be a career for me," he said.
Connors also said he hopes to help bring more attention to para sports in general, so athletes with disabilities are highlighted more than just during huge events like the Paralympics.