Canadian Paralympian wants to be treated like elite athlete: 'Not your inspiration porn'
American Paralympian Ezra Frech tells Fox News Digital why sports fans should watch the Paralympic Games.
The Paralympic Games are in the final stretch this week with China maintaining a comfortable lead in gold medals and total medals over Great Britain and the United States.
Canada has 12 medals in total as of Tuesday – two gold, four silver and six bronze. While sports fans tune in to watch the events in Paris, one Canadian Olympian wanted to remind the world to appreciate Paralympians for the elite athletes that they are.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Allison Lang’s message was sent in an opinion column on Today.com. Lang, who is a sitting volleyball player, explained that being a Paralympian "isn’t less impressive" than being an Olympian and fired back at some of the comments she’s seen on social media.
"Another comment I see people saying is: ‘If they can do that with no legs, then I have no excuse not to go for my run.’ I shared my thoughts on this on social media, noting that Paralympians are not your inspiration porn," Lang said.
Allison Lang, #17 of Canada, claps as she enters the arena before the Sitting Volleyball match against Slovenia on day one of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games at North Paris Arena on Aug. 29, 2024 in Paris. (Elsa/Getty Images)
"These comments make us feel less than other people. Paralympians are elite athletes. I hope to educate people so that when they watch the Paralympics, they see we're not just inspirational — we’re also aspirational. It’s great to feel inspired by incredible athletic achievements. That’s what the Olympics and Paralympics are all about. Be inspired by our accomplishments, not by our existence."
Lang also tried to dispel beliefs that