Team USA athletes Noelle Lambert and Jarryd Wallace are gearing up for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, each embarking on a new chapter in their athletic careers. Lambert, competing in her second Paralympics, and Wallace, a seasoned veteran in his fourth Games, have found common ground in their transition from sprinting to the long jump.
Wallace, a T64 category athlete with below-the-knee amputations, made the switch to long jump to reignite his passion for the sport after feeling burnt out from sprint events. Lambert, a T63 category athlete with above-the-knee amputations, embraced the challenge of adding a new event to her repertoire, driven by a desire to push herself beyond her comfort zone.
Wallace, who overcame a leg amputation in high school, has achieved success in sprint events, including setting world records and winning his first Paralympic medal in Tokyo. Lambert, a former lacrosse player, transitioned to track and field after her leg amputation and quickly made a mark in the sport, even beating the reigning national champion in her first competition.
Both athletes found inspiration in each other's journey, with Wallace providing guidance and technical expertise to Lambert as she trained for the long jump. Their camaraderie and mutual support have fueled their preparations for the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris.
Excited to compete in front of live audiences after the subdued atmosphere of the Tokyo Games, Wallace and Lambert are eager to showcase their skills on the global stage. With Lambert ranked second in her classification and Wallace ranked third, both athletes are poised to make a significant impact at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
