Digest

The "Planet Money Summer School" podcast series kicks off with a preview of the Paralympic Games in Paris. The episode highlights the record coverage of the Games, including the largest refugee Paralympic team in history, a record number of women athletes, and the first ever hosts with disabilities to lead the Paralympics coverage. The podcast features interviews with Paralympians Jamal Hill and Jessica Himes, who share their personal journeys and experiences competing in the Games. Hill, a swimmer who overcame a rare degenerative nerve disorder, discusses his commitment to promoting access to swimming for people of color through his foundation, Swim Uphill. Himes, a discus thrower, emphasizes the importance of showcasing the achievements of athletes with disabilities and inspiring others. Linda Mastandria, a Paralympic medalist, and Alexa Pritting, a Paralympic supervising producer at NBC Sports, discuss the growth of adaptive sports and the challenges and opportunities they face. They highlight the increasing awareness and interest in these sports, with more universities offering programs and scholarships. The episode concludes with a discussion about the significance of primetime coverage for the Paralympics, which helps to increase visibility, break down negative stigmas surrounding disability, and inspire others.

Outlines

00:00:00

Paralympic Games Preview

This episode previews the Paralympic Games in Paris, highlighting record coverage and the participation of athletes with disabilities.

00:01:19

Paralympic Games Coverage and Growth

Linda Mastandria, a Paralympic medalist, and Alexa Pritting, a Paralympic supervising producer at NBC Sports, discuss the record coverage of the Paralympic Games and the growth of adaptive sports.

00:01:19

Paralympic Athletes' Stories

The episode features interviews with Paralympians Jamal Hill and Jessica Himes, who share their personal journeys and experiences competing in the Games. Hill, a swimmer who overcame a rare degenerative nerve disorder, discusses his commitment to promoting access to swimming for people of color through his foundation, Swim Uphill. Himes, a discus thrower, emphasizes the importance of showcasing the achievements of athletes with disabilities and inspiring others.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the key highlights of the Paralympic Games in Paris?

  The Games will feature record coverage, the largest refugee Paralympic team in history, a record number of women athletes, and the first ever hosts with disabilities to lead the Paralympics coverage.

• How did Jamal Hill's experience with Charcoma Re-tooth Disease shape his perspective on disability?

  Hill's parents shielded him from the limitations of the disease, fostering a belief in his own abilities. As an adult, he had to reconcile this with the reality of his condition, but it ultimately fueled his determination to excel in swimming.

• What are some of the challenges and opportunities for adaptive sports?

  Adaptive sports face challenges in terms of access, funding, and awareness. However, there is growing momentum and interest in these sports, with more universities offering programs and scholarships.

• What is the significance of the Paralympics receiving primetime coverage?

  Primetime coverage increases visibility and awareness of the Paralympics, showcasing the achievements of athletes with disabilities and inspiring others. It also helps to break down negative stigmas surrounding disability.

Show Notes