By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Sept 5 (Xinhua) -- After winning gold in the 50-meter rifle three-position SH1 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Natascha Hiltrop secured her second gold just two days later in the R6 mixed 50-meter rifle prone SH1 event.
The 34-year-old now holds three Paralympic gold medals (including one from Tokyo 2020) and two silvers (from Rio 2016). Beyond her competitive success, Hiltrop has dedicated six years to advocating for inclusion and the participation of para athletes in mainstream sports events.
In 2018, Hiltrop, a paraplegic, became the first inclusion manager for the German Shooting Association. A year later, she hit a new milestone by organizing a Para European Cup archery event in the center of Wiesbaden.
"It was a milestone for para sports to be at the heart of the city, drawing more attention. It's important to bring our sports to the people, not hold events off the radar," Hiltrop said.
"We are part of society and contribute to a well-functioning social fabric," she added.
Since the 2011-2012 season, para athletes have competed alongside non-disabled athletes in the German national shooting league. Despite her significant role in the association, Hiltrop has maintained her passion for the sport.
At the Paris 2024 Games, she delivered the best performance by a German shooter since the 1992 Barcelona Games.
"I am overwhelmed that everything went so well," Hiltrop said, emphasizing her love for the mental challenge that shooting demands. "It requires immense concentration."
Hiltrop called her two gold medals in Paris a confirmation of her dedication and a source of personal satisfaction.
She first discovered shooting at age 12 when a schoolmate of her brother introduced the Hiltrop siblings to a local shooting club. "I loved it right from the start," she said.
Hiltrop hopes her success in Paris will inspire young people to pursue sports, regardless of their disabilities or daily responsibilities.
"Sports provide a path to a better life and integration into society," she said. "I hope we can bring more young athletes together, both disabled and non-disabled, because both sides benefit immensely." ■
微信扫描下方的二维码阅读本文
