'I felt I wasn't worthy': Para athletes on barriers in elite sport

Paralympic gold medallist Nikki Ayers and other disabled athletes have reported experiencing systemic barriers, including discrimination and burnout, within elite sports. These athletes attribute their struggles to a consistent lack of adequate funding and institutional support, which has led some to withdraw from their disciplines entirely.

The accounts highlight a broader issue regarding the perceived value of Para athletes in professional sporting environments. The reports suggest that these challenges contribute to a sense of unworthiness among competitors, underscoring significant gaps in the resources and infrastructure provided to athletes with disabilities compared to their non-disabled counterparts.