CEDARVILLE, Ohio — For many athletes, it’s a lifelong dream to compete in the Olympics.
One Ohio woman is making her dreams come true by competing in this year’s Paralympics in Tokyo.
The Cedarville University community came together Saturday to celebrate gold medalist Grace Norman as she competed in the triathlon. Norman is a 2020 Cedarville University alumna.
“She has such a huge support base and it’s awesome to know that everybody is here,” said Robin Norman, Grace’s mother.
Robin has been supporting her along the way.
She said Grace has always pushed herself to be the very best at what she does.
“She’s never turned down a challenge. So yeah, the Paralympics, challenge accepted,” said Robin. “That’s kind of the way she’s looked at it.”
Despite being born without a left foot, she’s excelled in nearly every sport.
“She’s played t-ball, she’s played soccer, swim team, basketball, triathlon, track, cross country — you name it,” she said.
Grace, 23, is the 2016 Paralympic gold medalist.
At 18 years old she was the youngest athlete to win the women’s gold medal for the para-triathlon in Rio.
“She’s been racing high-level triathlon since she was 16 in that regard, and for her the sky’s the limit,” said Robin.
On Saturday, Grace finished within one hour and 45 minutes, putting her in second place, just 41 seconds behind the competition.
Robin said she’s proud and excited for her daughter.
“That is a super fantastic finish, splitting the great brits like that in that sense and being that close. Wow,” she said.
