Carson Clough had never even heard of the Paralympics until a tragic boating accident in 2019 led to the amputation of his right leg below the knee. Clough, who previously played lacrosse for North Carolina, is just one example of many Paralympians at the Paris Paralympics who acquired a disability later in life or only discovered the Paralympics as adults. For Clough and others, participating in para sports has brought a new purpose and direction to their athletic journeys.
In early 2022, Clough, with no prior experience, attended a talent identification camp held by USA Triathlon, where he met his current coach, Mark Sortino, a seasoned assistant coach for Team USA’s Paralympic Triathlon team. Clough found the transition to a new sport challenging initially but eventually learned the value of listening to his experienced coach.
Monique Matthews, on the other hand, stumbled into her Paralympic career through a brochure. Having participated in softball, basketball, and track during high school, Matthews’s plans took a detour after a warehouse accident resulted in the loss of her left foot. Two years later, she encountered a brochure for sitting volleyball during a prosthetist search, leading her to try out for the sport and eventually win four Paralympic medals.
Clough’s training in the three disciplines of triathlon paid off when he secured an eighth-place finish at the World Triathlon Para Cup Besancon in June 2022. This achievement propelled him to win the 2024 Americas Triathlon Para Championships in Miami in March, earning him a spot in the Paralympics. With his focus now on Paris, Clough credits his coaches for guiding him through his first Paralympic race, where he clinched a silver medal in the PTS4 class.
Looking towards future competitions, like the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles, Clough remains determined to push boundaries and continue excelling in his sport. His story, along with Matthews’, serves as inspiration for others facing similar challenges, proving that adversity can lead to new opportunities and growth as athletes.
