Feature Image: Ottobock UK
The Paralympic Games began as just a small gathering of World War II veterans, but now consists of hundreds of countries and thousands of professional athletes.
With the evolution of the games has come the evolution of the technology many para-athletes use to compete.
From prosthetic running blades to wheelchair racing, the equipment used by modern para-athletes has revolutionised the sport. But what does the future hold for Paralympic sports?
Jack Rutter, former captain of the Team GB Paralympic Football Team, believes the future is bright for the Paralympics and the athletes involved.
He said: “I think the Paralympics is, hopefully, going to get bigger and bigger.
“London did set the standards so high in terms of publicity. But I think the next one in Tokyo, I feel like it could be even better than London, I really do.
“It’s all about more opportunities for everyone. More inclusion, more diversity, more options for people with disabilities as well.”
When speaking about his experience during the Paralympics and being captain of Team GB, Jack praised the London 2012 games and the support that was provided.
“I had the brain injury in 2009 which stopped me from turning professional, and then I didn’t really know if I wanted to play football anymore.
“But in 2012, because of all the awareness around the Paralympics, that was the year I found out I could play for the Paralympic football team.
“I was so, so proud to achieve it and then obviously then to become captain of the team was extra special.”
Since retiring, Jack has taken up coaching with The FA and is now utilising technology in order to help those under 21 with cerebral palsy play football.
As such, this technology being used is assisting many people with disabilities gain independence and become active, where they might struggle with otherwise.
More to come
Despite these incredible advances, Kim Lawther, Assistive Tech Specialist at Scope, believes that there is more yet to be done to help those with disabilities, especially financially.
“Where a communication aid used to cost thousands of pounds, you can now buy one for a few hundred from your local technology shop.” She said.
“Cost reduction is something I would like to continue to see, and more and more smart home devices become readily available and easy to use/set up to allow more independence.”
However, there are still incredible pieces of technology that are currently used to help those with disabilities and para-athletes compete.
She continued: “I have myself experience of 3D printing and know that has been instrumental in making certain sports more accessible, and also of particular wheelchairs allowing sports men and women to access their sport in a better way.
“For example a para-golfer who has a chair that could lift them up into a standing position to allow them to swing.
“I believe it is an area which has not yet been fully explored but would be very interested to see where it could go.”
“Without technology, I’m a prisoner in body and mind.”
Tonight, we hosted digital leaders in London to talk about how technology can be a #DisabilityGamechanger – and how it helps people like Ajay live the life they choose.
How has technology impacted your life? pic.twitter.com/AYKchYR9ga
— Scope (@scope) September 12, 2018
Prosthetics
The work modern technology does for para-athletes is incredible, however not many people know that equipment for disabled people without limbs ranges back thousands of years.
The Egyptians used prosthetic technology dating all the way back to 1500 B.C., which has now evolved to what we see today for disabled people and para-athletes.
Ottobock UK, is one of the leading manufacturers in the world for prosthetic limbs and support for those that require it.
The technology they use in terms of creating prosthetics is state-of-the-art and has been used by Paralympians across the world for decades.
Russell Pizzey is the Technical and Regulatory Affairs Manager at Ottobock UK, who discussed the work Ottobock UK does and how they provide support for Paralympic athletes.
He said: “Mainly, we support the athlete and during those games, we support them manufacturing and repair of their existing products. If it needs to be replaced, we will replace it.
“When they first arrive and they are in their training mode, we will give them all the support, and we can change and manipulate their hardware to perform or to overcome any breakages which may have happened.
“Once that first practice session is over, any change is really not good, especially when you start getting to the people who become maybe potential medallists.
“We can do manufacturing, but we have to stress to them that the focus should be on doing their competitive side.
“Then once that’s done, we can do whatever they require thereafter.”
Russell also hopes that Ottobock UK will continue on the same path they are currently at as “nothing really changes for our support to the athletes”.
Technology that companies such as Ottobock UK provide are completely life-changing, from an everyday person to a para-athlete.
The future promises continuing evolution and further support and assistance for para-athletes, especially in helping them to compete, provide independence and bringing out success.
Jordan Marley 