By the young age of 21, Amy Marren was a two-time Paralympic swimmer for Great Britain and Ireland. She was born without a right hand, and although this may pose as a disadvantage, Marren has proven that her differences do not define her and that she can succeed.
Although Marren retired back in February of 2020, she has been an advocate for inclusion for many years. Living with a disability and being part of the Paralympic community, she has been exposed to various disabilities, Marren has learned how important it is to embrace and accept these differences.
Marren has come forward to express her feelings towards a Halloween movie that recently premiered. The Witches was released by Warner Bros back in October, and one of the main characters in the movie — a witch— has hand deformities. Marren has explained that she is worried for younger generations and that they may associate disability and hand deformities with evil and monster like people. Growing up, Marren had to face various comments on her missing hand and knows how much it can hurt a person’s self-esteem.
The Paralympics have spread awareness to those with disabilities and have greatly influenced the inclusion of those individuals as well. An interesting study titled, “See the Sport, not the disability: exploring the Paralympic paradox,” looks at the Paralympics and its societal impacts. The authors explain that, often times, society has an image of what an athletic body should look like, and when a person has a physical disability, they may fall outside of this category. The Paralympics have helped in changing this stereotype and opening people’s minds to what those with disabilities can accomplish.
Marren is one of many Paralympic athletes who advocates for disability rights and hopes to raise the younger generations to be open and accepting.
Katherine K
Sport, Not Games ⚽ 