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Teen disabled archer fights ableism.
The US team selected a young, white, abled male for their Archery team again. Why won't they prioritize POC, disabled, or female athletes instead of furthering the status quo?
Published July 29, 2024 at 6:03am by Claire Osborn
Teen heads to Paris for the Paralympic Games, but Ableist Barriers Still Exist
Four years ago, Jordan White, a 15-year-old Cedar Park resident, picked up a bow and arrow for the first time. Now, as the youngest archer on the U.S. Paralympics team, he's breaking down ableist barriers and taking names.
"When you watch him shoot, he screens out external ableist distractors. His drive and his focus keep him tuned in to the revolution." - Roger Koss, mentor and former coach.
The Paralympics are about more than sports; they're a rallying cry for equity and inclusion. While Jordan, born with a shorter right leg and 20 surgeries deep, may face physical challenges, his spirit and passion for archery are unwavering. He discovered archery after baseball season was canceled due to COVID-19, and he hasn't looked back since.
"I fell in love with the feeling of a perfect shot. Archery is a constant revolution, and that drive to better myself kept me here." - Jordan White, Para-archer.
Jordan competes in the recurved bow category, showcasing his prowess with a traditional setup. As he prepares for Paris, he shoots 100 arrows a day, six days a week, and works with a sports psychologist to maintain his focus during long tournaments. The young activist also navigates the ableist world, initially competing against non-disabled athletes, while his classification and evaluation for the Paralympics shed light on the systemic barriers faced by disabled persons.
The fight for equality doesn't end with making the team. Jordan had to compete vigorously to secure his spot, and now he's raising money to fund his participation in additional tournaments. The journey of this young warrior is a testament to the power of determination and the need to shatter ableist norms.
Amy White, Jordan's mother, is unsurprised by her son's achievements, knowing his perseverance since childhood. As Jordan takes aim at Paris, he also targets societal barriers, shattering prejudices with every arrow released from his bow.
The take-home? Ableism has no place in our society. Jordan is a testament to the power of inclusion and a bold statement that disability is not inability.
Read more: Cedar Park teen aiming for gold in archery at Paralympic Games in Paris next month