With the Paralympics just days away, a local athlete is gearing up for her debut in Paris.
Samantha Heyison, a Division I college athlete from Frederick County, Maryland, is set to compete in the shot put and discus events.
At just 19 years old, Heyison began her athletic career at age 6 and earned bronze medals at last year’s World Championships. Despite her success, her journey has been far from easy.
Born with constricted band syndrome, which affected several of her fingers and toes, Heyison has faced significant challenges.
“Perseverance is likely the most important trait an athlete can have because it’s truly a battle of mind over matter,” she noted.
“I’ve learned what I can and can’t do, and discovered that there’s not much I can’t do. It’s been an amazing journey,” Heyison added.
Her parents, Mark and Tania, expressed their pride to News4 about Samantha’s ability to overcome her challenges.
“We’ve always taught Samantha that there’s nothing she can’t achieve if she puts her mind to it, regardless of her difficulties, because others have it worse,” Mark Heyison shared.
To manage their nerves while watching their daughter compete, they have developed their own routine.
“Tania and I have our separate routines,” Mark Heyison explained. “I stay at one end of the track, and she remains at the other end.”
As Samantha Heyison prepares for Paris, she shared with News4 how rewarding the journey has been. Her parents are eagerly anticipating her experience.
“If she wins a medal, I’m not sure if I’ll stop crying before we land or not,” her father admitted.
