For Catherine “Annie” Carey, sport has always been about possibility.

Born in Datong, China with a severe club foot, Annie’s journey began with significant physical challenges. After being adopted by her forever family and brought to the United States, she underwent serial casting and surgery to correct the condition. While the procedures helped improve her mobility, they also resulted in drop foot and nerve damage, meaning Annie would need to wear an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) daily to stay active.

But what could have been a limitation quickly became the starting point for something much bigger.

Today, Annie is a Paralympian and multi-sport adaptive athlete competing in track and field, swimming, and triathlon, accomplishing a dream she declared at just seven years old — to one day compete in the Paralympic Games.

Discovering the Power of Sport

Annie’s journey into adaptive sport began with inspiration.

When she was seven years old, she watched the London Olympic Games and saw a Paralympic athlete competing on the world stage. That moment sparked something powerful.

She told her family she was going to go to the Olympics and win a gold medal.

Soon after, Annie began training with the Tri Club at the Treasure Valley YMCA in Boise, coached by adaptive sports advocate Willie Stewart, also known as “One Arm Willie.” It was there that Annie first experienced the joy and challenge of competition.

Within months, she received her first grant from the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) — a milestone that helped support her growing journey in sport.

Rising Through Competition

Since joining the adaptive sports community, Annie has competed in multiple disciplines, including triathlon, track and field, and swimming.

Her natural determination and work ethic quickly translated into strong results.

Over the years, Annie has set multiple records and earned podium finishes at competitions across the country. Among her standout achievements:

• Bronze medal in the 100 meters at the 2019 World Para Athletics Junior Championships
• First place in the long jump at the 2019 Arizona Grand Prix
• Second place in both the 100 meters and 200 meters at the same event

While Annie may appear quiet off the track, she is known among coaches and competitors as a fierce and focused athlete once competition begins.

Her dedication has driven her to continue expanding her athletic pursuits, including training in Para triathlon, where she combines swimming, cycling, and running in a demanding endurance sport.

A Goal That Keeps Growing

At the heart of Annie’s athletic journey was a long-term goal she has carried since childhood: competing in the Paralympic Games. Annie competed in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, taking 6th in the (200m T64 – Women, Long Jump T64 – Women) and 10th in the (100m T64 – Women).

Whether through track and field, swimming, or triathlon, Annie continues to train and compete with big dreams in mind.

The Role of Community and Support

Athletes like Annie are able to pursue their goals thanks in part to organizations like the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which provides grants, mentorship, and access to adaptive sports opportunities.

From her early days with the Tri Club to competing on national stages, CAF support has helped Annie access the equipment and resources needed to grow as an athlete.

But beyond equipment, the adaptive sports community has given Annie something just as important — a network of mentors, coaches, and fellow athletes who believe in what is possible.

Looking Ahead

Still early in her athletic career, Annie continues to push forward with determination and focus.

Whether she is sprinting down the track, racing through a triathlon course, or training in the pool, Annie embodies the spirit of perseverance and ambition that defines the adaptive sports movement.