Kadeena Cox, a standout figure in British Paralympic sport, faced a mix of emotions as she prepared to compete at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. With the potential to win gold in track cycling, she was determined to overcome the struggles she had faced in the lead-up to the Games.
The 33-year-old athlete is no stranger to adversity. Having won gold in both athletics and cycling at the Rio Paralympics, Cox’s journey to Paris has been anything but smooth. After tearing her calf muscle last winter and suffering from Achilles tendon issues, she fought through pain and setbacks to defend her C4 500-meter time trial title at the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in March. However, another calf injury during training six weeks ago added to her challenges.
Despite these obstacles, Cox remains focused on her goals. She aims to break world records and claim gold medals, starting with the women’s C4-5 500-meter time trial on Thursday. Reflecting on her journey, she told PA Media, “I’ve had a tough road to get here, so I’m glad to have this opportunity.”
“Training has been going in the right direction, and I still believe that even though I’m getting older, I’m capable of winning medals. It usually just depends on whether my body holds up.”
Cox’s story is one of resilience. Initially, a hockey player who later transitioned to athletics and even tried bobsleigh, she was determined to make it to the Winter Olympics. However, after suffering a stroke in May 2014 and being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she turned to para-sports. Her decision paid off when she won four medals at the Rio Paralympics, including two golds, and followed that up with two more golds in Tokyo.
Though she achieved success in Tokyo, Cox was left with a bittersweet feeling due to her performance in athletics. She narrowly missed out on a medal in the 400-meter race, finishing fourth due to Achilles tendonitis and an eating disorder. Reflecting on that experience, she said, “Tokyo still hurts a bit. I know that with a bit more time, I could have done what I needed to do. While I won two gold medals, I probably focused more on what I didn’t achieve in athletics. It left me with mixed emotions.”
Cox is determined to put those disappointments behind her and make the most of her opportunities in Paris. Alongside her events, she will also compete in the mixed team sprint on Sunday, defending the title she won with teammates Jody Cundy and Jaco van Gass.
Despite dealing with the effects of multiple sclerosis, including a recent flare-up that affected her right side, Cox remains motivated. “People told me I could never do both sports at the same time, that I couldn’t balance this and that,” she said. “My response was, ‘Great, let’s do it.’ That just fuels me more.”
British Cycling has set high expectations for the Paris Paralympics after their most successful Games in Tokyo, where they won 24 medals, with every member of the team contributing. This time, they’re targeting 14 to 20 medals. With seven reigning Paralympic champions in the squad, the atmosphere in the camp remains positive. After a strong showing in the first week of track cycling, the team will shift their focus to road cycling in the second week, moving into the Olympic Village for the remainder of the Games.
As Cox prepares for her upcoming events, she remains focused on the task at hand, determined to leave Paris with no regrets.
