Kare Adenegan has so many medals to her name, I don’t even know where to begin- She has won medals at every major championships: British, European, Commonwealth, World and Paralympic Games - and she achieved these great feats alongside her studies, most recently having graduated from the University of Warwick. Congratulations!

As we warm up into this conversation, things get a little deep.

Equality in diversity -  specifically between non-disability and disability sport as we saw exemplified at the CWG - that oneness and cohesion of the team; the superhuman Paralympic trope and her perspective on that vs the real daily struggle of a disabled person, athlete or not; her faith; and her tips for future Paralympians in any sport, not just on the track. I also ask, how do we get more coaches involved with para sport to increase access to sport for disabled people.

Finally, as a Black-British female wheelchair athlete, she may have experienced racism; but she says ableism features more profoundly in her life as a form of discrimination than anything else.

So… What is ableism? And how can we ensure we aren’t complicit, passive bystanders or even instigators to this form of discrimination?

Please listen up and let me know your thoughts on this enlightening and informative conversation.

Kare on Twitter - @adenegank

Instagram - @kareadenegan

Email: info@defineyoursuccess.uk

Twitter: @definesuccessuk

Instagram: @defineyoursuccess.uk

Kare mentions under-eating and its connection with RED-S which refers to relative energy deficiency syndrome. Unfortunately, I didn't explore this topic further with her, but you can find more info on it here - https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/health/a33589189/red-s-relative-energy-deficiency-running/

P.s. I use the term 'able-bodied' and have recently learned this isn't a term some will be comfortable with, so I apologise if I have offended you. Please share your preferred terminology, so I can make the right changes! Also rather than editing this term out, I wanted to keep this an example of the fact we all have lessons to learn to be less discriminatory and more inclusive in our language and behaviour re disability!

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