3 Disabled Female Athletes to look out for in 2010

We all know at least a few names of famous female athletes such as Anna Kournikova, Gabrielle Reece, and Serena Williams.  Less likely to be know, however are some of the most deserving of acclaim.  Listed below are the names of 3 famous and soon-to-be famous disabled female athletes poised to take over their sport in 2010:

1. Chantal Petitclerc – Already a 14 times gold medal winner in the Paralympic games, Chantal right now is listed as in-training for the next long distance wheelchair racing competition.  Losing the use of both her legs at the age of 13, Chantal quickly rebounded with the help of her physical education teacher and by 18, when a trainer at the University of Laval introduced her to wheelchair sports, she entered a race finishing dead last, but kept her love and passion for the game through several Paralympic games.  She recently published a book on her experiences during the 16 days she spent in Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Games and is scheduled to host a luncheon for Defi Sportif this June to help boost participation and promote sporting events for athletes with impairments.
2. Bethany Hamilton – Best known for her courage in going back to the world of competitive surfing after her 2003 shark attack.  Bethany’s story has been told in numerous high-profile magazines, published a book with the help of MTV books, and is now set to be portrayed by AnnaSophia Robb in the upcoming film, Soul Surfer this October with Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt.
3. Erin Popovich – Born with achondroplasia (a genetic disorder which restricts the growth of her limbs) Erin was interested in sports at an early age joining the swim club at 12 and competing in the Paralympic Games by 15.  She has been in 3 Paralympics, won 19 gold medals and has set more than 8 world records!  She is now set to help lead the U.S. women’s swim team to victory for the 2010 International World Swimming Championships this August in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

This bit of information has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your car wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!