In February, during National Girls and Women in Sports Day, we honor female athletes who are transforming the landscape of adaptive sports. At the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), we proudly support these changemakers—athletes who have faced adversity head-on and emerged as champions, advocates, and role models.

Coming off the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the progress made—and to look ahead to what’s possible for women in adaptive sports as we build momentum toward the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

The Power of Representation in Adaptive Sports

For more than 30 years, CAF has championed inclusion, providing adaptive sports equipment, funding, and mentorship to female athletes of all ages and abilities. These women’s stories represent a small snapshot of what’s possible when opportunity meets determination.

Meet the Game-Changers

Oksana Masters – The Most Decorated U.S. Winter Paralympian 

Born in Ukraine and adopted into a new life in the U.S., Oksana Masters has redefined the limits of athleticism. After having both legs amputated due to birth defects caused by radiation exposure, Oksana found her spark in rowing and has since competed across multiple Paralympic sports—from Nordic skiing to cycling.

With 17 Paralympic medals to her name, including seven golds, Oksana is not just a competitor—she’s a symbol of perseverance, inspiring athletes around the world and redefining what it means to be elite.

Nicky Nieves – Gold Medalist and Volleyball Trailblazer 

Born without a hand, Nicky Nieves didn’t just find a way to play volleyball—she became one of the sport’s fiercest competitors. A gold medalist at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Nicky continues to advocate for greater inclusivity through her nonprofit, Limitless People Inc., promoting access and opportunity in volleyball for youth with disabilities.

Her story reminds us that barriers can become stepping stones when paired with strength, support, and self-belief.

Kendall Gretsch – History-Maker in Biathlon 

With Spina Bifida, Kendall Gretsch became the first American woman to medal in the Paralympic biathlon, a sport known for its grit and precision. Kendall has earned four Paralympic gold medals, competing in both summer and winter Games.

Her success in triathlon and Nordic skiing breaks stereotypes and showcases the adaptability and skill of female athletes with disabilities.

Femita Ayanbeku – From Survivor to Sprinter 

After losing her leg in a car accident at age 11, Femita Ayanbeku was introduced to adaptive sports through a CAF clinic in Boston, where she received her first Össur running blade. From that moment forward, she sprinted toward greatness—competing in the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, and representing Team USA on the world stage.

In 2021, Femita made history as the first American amputee woman featured in a Victoria’s Secret campaign, showing the world that power and beauty come in many forms. Through her nonprofit, Limb-it-less Creations, she helps other amputees find their strength, confidence, and path forward.

Kelly Worrell – Leading On and Off the Course 

Kelly Worrell, CAF’s Northeast Program Director, is a triathlete living with a limb difference. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has earned her a spot on Team USA and numerous accolades. As a USAT Elite Paratriathlete, Kelly set her sights on Paris 2024 with the goal of becoming the first U.S. female with an upper-extremity disability to compete in Paratriathlon.

Her leadership and mentorship continue to expand opportunities for others navigating adaptive sports, proving that progress is both personal and communal.

Sarah Reinertsen – A Legacy of Firsts 

Sarah Reinertsen is a pioneer in every sense. Born with a bone growth disorder and an above-knee amputation at age 7, Sarah became the first female amputee to finish the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona. She is a 3-time ITU Paratriathlon World Champion and winner of the Ironman 70.3 World Championships.

Beyond competition, she’s been featured in Runner’s World, ESPN The Body Issue, and authored a memoir, In a Single Bound. Sarah is also a CAF, Nike, and Össur spokesperson, using her voice to uplift others and advocate for greater visibility and representation of women in sport.

Reflecting on Paris 2024, Building Toward LA 2028

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games offered a global stage for these extraordinary women—and so many others—to show the world the power of sport to create change. But their journeys are far from over.

As we look ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, hosted here in the United States, the opportunity to grow participation, visibility, and support for female adaptive athletes has never been greater. These athletes are not just training for their next competition—they are building a more inclusive future for the next generation.

How You Can Support the Movement

• Donate to CAF: Your support helps fund adaptive equipment and competition travel for women and girls.

• Share their stories: Visibility drives opportunity. Help amplify these athletes’ voices.

• Champion inclusive sports programs in your community or workplace.

These women are more than athletes—they’re trailblazers, advocates, and symbols of resilience. By celebrating their achievements and supporting their journeys, we help ensure a future where every girl and woman, regardless of ability, has a place on the field, track, court, or course.

Let’s keep the momentum going—all the way to LA 2028.