CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Sept. 12, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anjali Forber-Pratt's 2012 London Games journey has come to a close. After competing in the Women's T53 100m, 200m and 400m as a wheelchair sprinter, Forber-Pratt confirmed her status as one of the elite Paralympic athletes in the world.
Following the Games Forber-Pratt reflected on her experience in London.
"While my races did not go as well as I had hoped, the London 2012 experience was absolutely incredible to be a part of," Forber-Pratt said. "I proudly wore my Team USA jerseys and had the experience of a lifetime racing in front of sold out crowds of 80,000 in the stadium. It brought me tremendous joy to be on the start line with two of my competitors from Ghana and Bermuda because I played a small role in helping to get them to the world stage."
"Sport at this level is unifying," Forber-Pratt added. "To see these individuals and so many others living out their dreams was rewarding. It showed me that I am a part of something bigger than just my own races, but truly a part of this thing called the Paralympic Movement that is taking the world by storm."
As the world gathered for a global goodbye to London 2012 at the Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony, Organizing Committee Chair Sebastian Coe, paid tribute to the 'superhuman' efforts of everyone who competed and contributed to the Games that inspired the world.
"This was a unique time when sport seemed to rule the world, and people everywhere were transfixed by the joy of sport,' Coe said. "'We felt the uplifting spirit that distinguishes the Olympic and Paralympic Games from other sporting events, and we witnessed how sport can break down barriers and extend the boundaries of human achievement. The athletes ignited the flame that ignited the Games and united the world."
While Forber-Pratt did not medal at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, she continued to inspire everyone with her motto of 'Dream. Drive. Do.'
"It was fun and I certainly tried my best," said Forber-Pratt. "Thank you (to all of her fans, friends and family) for your support, I am so very grateful to have you all in my life. This is certainly not the last you will hear from me! I plan to continue to share my message with the world through public speaking and I look forward to the next adventures, whatever they may be! "
Results from Forber-Pratt's races at the 2012 Paralympic Games:
- Women's 100m - T53: 17.67 – 6th place
- Women's 200m - T53: 30.27 – 5th place
- Women's 400m - T53: 59.34 – 7th place
About the London 2012 Paralympic Games
In a recent press release, it was stated that with 20 sports, and more than 4300 athletes, from 166 nations, and with 16 new nations competing in these Games - statistically, this is the biggest Paralympic Games ever staged.
About Anjali Forber-Pratt
Anjali Forber-Pratt was introduced to the world of disabled sports at the age of 5. She entered the 2012 season ranked among the top three fastest T53 women in the world for the 100 meter, 200 meter and 400 meter events. She was named to her first United States Paralympic Track and Field Team in 2007 and selected to represent the United States at the ParaPan American Games in Rio de Janeiro—where she came home with two gold medals in the 100m and 200m and a bronze in the 400m. Anjali made her Paralympic Games debut in Beijing where she won bronze in the women's 400m T53 and in the women's 4x100m T53/54 relay. She is also the former World and American record holder for the 200m.
Paralympic Medalist Anjali Forber-Pratt became Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Human Resource Education with a concentration in Human Resource Development. The degree was completed within the College of Education at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Anjali enjoys traveling for speaking engagements around the country and volunteering with local organizations for kids with disabilities.
Anjali co-authored an educational kids' coloring book about disabled sports titled, "Color Learn & Play: All About Sports for Athletes with Physical Disabilities". Anjali loves sharing her story, helping to transform perceptions of what it means to be an individual with a disability, and helping others accept their own differences and motivate others to take action in their own lives and communities. http://www.anjaliforberpratt.com
About the USOC
The mission of the USOC is to support U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes in achieving sustained competitive excellence and to preserve the Olympic Ideals, thereby inspiring all Americans.
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| [Image] | Anjali Forber-Pratt Paralympics |
| [Image] | Paralympian Anjali Forber-Pratt |