From Setbacks to Glory: Two Paralympians Chase Historic Winter Gold
Two Paralympic athletes are making headlines at the Winter Games in Milan Cortina. British competitor Jo Butterfield and American Laura Dwyer are both competing in mixed doubles wheelchair curling. Their journeys to the event have been marked by resilience and determination after life-changing injuries.
Jo Butterfield's path to the Paralympics began in 2011 when she was left paralysed after surgery to remove a spinal cord tumour. She turned to sport as part of her recovery and went on to win gold in the club throw at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio. Now, she is aiming for another milestone: becoming the first British athlete to win gold at both Summer and Winter Games. Her focus is also set on the 2028 Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles, where club throw will return as an event.
Butterfield's preparations for Milan Cortina faced another challenge when she was diagnosed with breast cancer during her training cycle. After successful treatment, she was declared cancer-free and continued her pursuit of Paralympic success.
Laura Dwyer's story took a dramatic turn in 2012 when a falling branch from a sugar maple tree left her with a spinal cord injury. Seven years later, she took up wheelchair curling and is now competing in her first Paralympics. Her goal in Cortina is to secure her first Paralympic medal.
Both athletes are part of a record-breaking female participation at these Winter Games, with 160 women competing in Milan Cortina.
Butterfield and Dwyer are now focused on the mixed doubles wheelchair curling event. Butterfield aims to add a Winter Paralympic gold to her Summer success, while Dwyer seeks her first podium finish. Their achievements contribute to the growing presence of women in Paralympic competition.
