ParalympicsGB officials say they hope “politics doesn’t get in the way” of a successful Los Angeles Games in four years’ time, amid the prospect of a second Donald Trump presidency.
The US presidential election remains on a knife-edge, with Trump – the Republican nominee who has infamously denigrated people with disabilities – and the Democratic vice‑president, Kamala Harris, in effect tied heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
After completing a successful Games in Paris, where the British team once again finished second and ahead of the USA in the medals table, authorities insist they will take time to evaluate the approach towards LA, but said it would not be the first time that Britain had competed in a “politically challenging” environment.
Asked if there were any circumstances in which not sending a team to a Games would be considered, Penny Briscoe, chef de mission of ParalympicsGB, said she hoped politics would not interfere with an event that is a crucial platform for people with disabilities.
“LA is probably one of the most inclusive cities in the world,” she said, “and their ambition, which they presented just a few days ago, is that LA is a melting pot, and their commitment to delivering an incredible Paralympic Games experience is already out there.
“So from our perspective, at the moment we’re really excited by the prospect of LA. We’re excited by the challenge that facing the Americans on their home turf poses for us, and I really hope that politics don’t impact our preparation or our Games experience in the US.”
One of the most notorious moments in Trump’s successful presidential campaign in 2016 came when he mocked a disabled New York Times reporter at an event. “You gotta see this guy,” Trump said, appearing to impersonate Serge Kovaleski, who has a congenital joint condition. More recently, Trump has mocked Joe Biden’s stammer.
“It’s too early to discuss any details, because we don’t know how it will play out,” said Kate Barker, the UK Sport performance director, who oversees funding and medal ambitions for both Olympic and Paralympic teams. “We don’t know what kind of governance structures will be around those Games.
“But what is important is what the Olympic and Paralympic Games stand for, and they don’t stand for political statements. They are deliberately against that, and I think our ability to be present at those events is really, really important, and that sometimes in and of itself can be the strongest statement that you can make.
“So of course we’ll discuss it as we get closer and we know what we’re doing, but it won’t be the first time that we’re going into a Games with political challenges globally.”
