Olympic Dreams

Jennifer Faxon always dreamt of being an Olympian. She played sports at the highest level and exceled in sports and participated in many recreational activities. However, in 2006, those dreams were derailed when Faxon was diagnosed with MS. At that life-changing moment, she realized that she was no longer able to compete with her able-bodied competitors. Yet, Faxon did not let MS steal her passion for sports and the Olympics.

Faxon found inspiration from world-renowned cyclist and US Women’s National Team member Maureen Manley. In her own words, Faxon “idolized” Manley. Faxon writes, “I always wanted to be like her and one day make it”. At the age of 26, Manley suffered blurred vision while competing in the Tour de France and was diagnosed with optic neuritis. Later, she was diagnosed with MS and no longer able to compete on the US cycling team in the 1988 Olympics. However, she did not let MS steal her passion for cycling or her winning spirit. She continued to ride and become a motivational speaker to others living with MS.

Motivated by Manley’s inspirational spirit and her own genuine passion for athletics, Faxon would find a way to continue to be involved with sports and the Olympics. Jennifer Faxon is now contributor for Yahoo Sports and published a blog entitled Dreams of Olympic and Paralympic Games Stripped Away by Multiple Sclerosis. Faxon’s blog website has more than 69,000 views and continues to reach new readership. She plans to report and bring attention to the Paralympic Games in London focusing on wheelchair basketball, shooting and road cycling.

Maureen Manley once said in an interview with Danielle English,  “There’s a power in acceptance because it gives you the freedom to work with what you have to work with and keep moving forward boldly and powerfully with yourself and what you want in your life, It may mean to be adaptable, but never give up.” Although both Manley and Faxon had their Olympic dreams slightly derailed, they did not let MS steal their passion, continue to motivate countless others living with MS and most importantly, they never gave up.

The 2012 London Paralympic Games will begin August 29^th and will continue through September 9^th. A full schedule of events can be found on official website of the games.  You can also see televised Paralympic Events on the official YouTube Channel.