By Laura Johnstone
I’ve never really been one to sit down and religiously watch the Olympics. I admire the talent and the dedication, of course, but it’s never been something I grew up watching or felt deeply connected to.
That started to shift when I met my husband. He loves it. I have fond memories of us sitting together, snacks in hand, just soaking up the atmosphere—cheering for underdogs, holding our breath during finals, and having those late-night discussions about who might take home the gold. It became a little tradition of ours.
But the last Olympics? We didn’t watch it.
Having a one-year-old changes everything. Anyone who’s been in the trenches of parenting a toddler will understand what I mean. The idea of quietly watching anything uninterrupted feels like a distant dream. By the time she was in bed, we were just about functioning enough to find the remote, let alone follow a three-hour broadcast.
Still, there is one sport we always make time for, no matter the tournament—Olympics, European Championships, you name it. And that’s judo.
Why judo? Because for us, it’s more than a sport. It’s a family connection. My sister-in-law was part of Team GB’s judo team. Watching her compete, knowing the sacrifices and strength it took to get there—it brought the sport to life for us in a deeply personal way. Now, even if she’s not on the mat anymore, we still tune in, still cheer for every ippon, and still feel the adrenaline with every throw.
But if there’s one event that I never miss, that genuinely inspires me and fills my heart every time, it’s the Paralympics.
There’s something about the Paralympics that hits differently. It’s not just about strength or speed or skill—it’s about perseverance, grit, and defying expectations. These athletes are often told what they can’t do. And they show the world exactly what they can.
For someone who’s neurodiverse and has physical challenges of their own, the Paralympics remind me of the power of potential. They celebrate every kind of ability. They show that success doesn’t come in one shape, one speed, or one version of ability.
Watching the Paralympics isn’t just inspiring. It’s necessary. It helps reshape how society sees difference—and how we teach our children to see it too.
As Amelia grows, I hope she’ll watch alongside us. I want her to see that there are many kinds of champions. That greatness doesn’t come from ticking a box, but from showing up as your fullest self.
So while we may miss a few medal ceremonies, and we’ll likely have to pause and rewatch more than once thanks to a toddler climbing the furniture, we’ll always come back to the judo mat—and we’ll never miss the Paralympics.
Call to Action
Do you have a sport that connects your family together? Or a Paralympic moment that moved you? I’d love to hear about it. Share your thoughts in the comments—and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more honest reflections from our parenting journey.
References & Related Reading
1. Paralympics GB – Official Site
3. Why Representation in Sport Matters – BBC Sport Article
What Olympic sports do you enjoy watching the most?
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