American swimmer Becca Meyers will not compete in the Paralympic Games getting held in Tokyo, this year. The swimmer, who is hearing impaired and visually challenged, withdrew from the tournament just after getting denied a private care assistant at the occasion. The 3-time gold medalist was one of the favourite contenders for the prime spot at the Games. Ms Meyers announced the selection with a statement on Twitter and stated that she was “angry” and “disappointed” at the turn of events. The statement was accompanied by a tweet that stated, “Heartbroken to share that I’m withdrawing from the Tokyo Paralympic Games. The USOPC has repeatedly denied my reasonable and essential accommodation because of my disability, leaving me no choice.”
In her statement, the 26-year-old stated, “I’m angry, I’m disappointed, but most of all, I’m sad to not be representing my country.”
Referring to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, she wrote: “The USOPC has denied a reasonable and essential accommodation for me, as a deaf-blind athlete, to be able to compete in Tokyo, telling me repeatedly that I do not need a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) ‘who I trust’ because there will be a single PCA on staff that is available to assist me and 33 other Paralympic swimmers, 9 of whom are also visually impaired,” asking why she — as a “disabled person” — had to fight for her rights in 2021.
Heartbroken to share that I’m withdrawing from the Tokyo Paralympic Games. The USOPC has repeatedly denied my affordable and vital accommodation for the reason that of my disability, leaving me no option. Full statement under: pic.twitter.com/p9tKsbPip2
— Becca Meyers (@becca_meyers) July 20, 2021
According to the Washington Post, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) officials stated that they have been dealing with “unprecedented restrictions” with regard to what is attainable on the ground in Japan, which is hosting the Games. The committee stated that the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games was not permitting any personnel other than operational vital employees, into the nation. This, they stated, was as per the directions of the Japanese government.
Ms Meyers identified assistance from Maggie Hassan, United States Senator for New Hampshire, who referred to as on the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee to assure that “all athletes receive the accommodation and support they need to compete”.
Becca Meyers is a six-time Paralympic medalist — but she’s facing hazardous inequities that are forcing her out of this year’s games.
I’m calling on the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee to assure that ALL athletes get the accommodation and assistance they require to compete. pic.twitter.com/vrsrRPConK
— Sen. Maggie Hassan (@SenatorHassan) July 20, 2021
Several social media customers, as well, extended their assistance to the athlete in the comments.
One user stated, “This is completely unacceptable. It is heartbreaking and it is bigoted…”
This is entirely UNACCEPTABLE. It is heartbreaking & it is bigoted. What can we do to assistance you, Becca? The neighborhood is in complete solidarity with you. I’m so hurt & angry for you at this blatant ableism. ???? #DisabilityTwitter#Paralympics
— Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, she/they, PhD candidate (@MorenikeGO) July 20, 2021
Another user even referred to as the policy “absurd”.
This is not only a denial of your rights, but also pretty an absurd policy. One PCA for 34 men and women is ridiculous, plus hazardous. If one of the athletes gets sick or even the PCA themselves gets Covid, the possibility of spreading the virus will be at its highest.
— CrazyCatLady (@AnnAirAMa) July 20, 2021
“Appalling disabling barriers,” stated a different.
I’m so sorry to hear this Becca. Appalling disabling barriers.
— Michele Moore (@michelemooreEd) July 21, 2021
Ms Meyers was born with a situation identified as the Usher syndrome. It is a uncommon genetic disorder that leads to loss of hearing as effectively as sight.