Paralympic swimmer Danielle Dorris boarded a plane on Tuesday with her coach and family as they headed for Paris for the 2024 Paralympics.
While this is Dorris’ third time competing at this level, she says it feels like the first.
“I think the main difference for me on this one is definitely my maturity level. I am a lot more mature now than the 13-year-old self that I was in Rio, and then my 18-year-old self in Tokyo. It’s definitely a big difference in that level,” she says.
“In Rio, I was 13, and I don’t remember any of it. And then during Tokyo, it was COVID time, so there were no fans, so it wasn’t a full experience. This time in Paris, my family is going to be there, there’s going to be lots of people in the stands. It’s going to be a lot of fun, and I’m ready to soak it all up.”
Dorris will swim the 50-metre butterfly S7 and 200-metre individual medley S7 events.
Her goals are similar to the ones she had going to Tokyo.
“In the 50-metre butterfly, to defend my Paralympic title and potentially get another world record. My ultimate goal is to get some best times and have a lot of fun,” Dorris says.
Her favourite part of the Paralympics is how supportive the community is. She says she feels like she has friends from around the world. Dorris describes it as a giant summer camp with the athletes all happy to just be there.
Dorris swims with Club Natation Bleu et Or in Moncton and her coach is Ryan Allen. This will be his second Paralympics Games on staff.
“I feel spoiled when I talk about Ryan. He is an amazing coach. It’s pretty special to be able to have someone who I consider to be a great friend being there with me and supporting me,” she says.
“He knows what I need, and I trust everything he tells me. So having him there (in Paris) is very special. I definitely think he is a big part of my success.”
Allen has been coaching 21-year-old Dorris since she was 12 years old.
The 2024 Paralympics run from August 28 to September 8.
