We’re still reeling from the incredible Paris Olympics, but the good news is that the Paralympics, where LGBTQ+ athletes are also growing in numbers, are just around the corner. At least 175 out queer athletes competed in this year’s Summer Olympics, with Team LGBTQ+ winning a total of 43 medals and – unofficially – ending in 7th place. Now, some 27 out LGBTQ+ Paralympic athletes will be competing for medals. Seven of them are were in Team GB, including wheelchair basketball couple Robyn Love and Laurie Williams – and we absolutely need to tell you all about their love story, which is basically a Hollywood film.
Robyn Love and Laurie Williams have been together for almost 10 years and welcomed their first child, Alba, the Gaelic term for Scotland, in April. Their return to Paris will be a memorable trip because Love proposed under the Eiffel Tower 18 months before they took to the court together at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021. “I almost managed to get down on one knee,” she joked, according to Outsports.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Robyn said: “I didn’t see LGBT people, disabled people, never mind the two things combined. Personally, I didn’t see myself represented in media.”
On the increased coverage of disability sports, Williams noted: “That exposure, it not only educates people but also gets people into the sport. I wish when I was younger, I would have seen it on television and I could have started younger.
“I started pretty young but you want to be able to participate in sport like your able-bodied counterparts.”
A Love Story on the Court
Love was born in Scotland, with arthrogryposis, a rare condition in which the muscles are shortened and/or missing, leaving her right leg shorter than the left. She first took part in the Paralympics in Rio eight years ago, alongside Williams. But, a bit like in a movie love story, Love watched Williams compete at the 2012 Paralympics in London before meeting her in 2014 and becoming part of Team GB.
Love is keen to expand her horizons when it comes to sports and recently announced she will be retiring from international wheelchair basketball. Tennis is her first love, so she may be swapping courts in the near future. Paris will be Williams’ fourth Paralympics and her speed around the court earned her the nickname Whippet.
An undiagnosed viral infection as a baby left her with a condition called motor neuropathy, causing damage to the nerves in her trunk and legs. She made her Team GB debut at the Paralympics World Cup in 2009, aged 17.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Robyn Love and Laurie Williams' story is a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and inclusion. They have shown that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, regardless of your background or abilities.
Their journey has been one of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness. They have been open about their experiences, advocating for greater representation and inclusivity in sports and beyond. They are role models for young people, showing them that they can achieve their dreams, no matter what challenges they face.
Love and Williams are not only athletes, but also mothers, activists, and advocates for social justice. Their story is an inspiration to us all.
The Power of Representation
The increase in the number of LGBTQ+ athletes competing in the Olympics and Paralympics is a sign of progress. It shows that the world is becoming more accepting and inclusive. It also shows that LGBTQ+ athletes are just as talented and dedicated as any other athlete.
Love and Williams’ story is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation. Seeing athletes like them competing at the highest level can inspire young people to pursue their dreams, no matter their background or identity. It also helps to challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive world for everyone.
A Bright Future for Disability Sports
The Paralympics is a celebration of human achievement and a testament to the power of the human spirit. It is a platform for athletes with disabilities to showcase their talent and inspire the world.
The increased coverage of disability sports is a positive development. It helps to raise awareness about the abilities of athletes with disabilities and to challenge the stereotypes that often surround them. It also helps to promote inclusion and diversity.
Love and Williams are just two examples of the many talented athletes who are competing in the Paralympics. Their story is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
Reaching for Gold
So let’s all join together in wishing Robyn Love and Laurie Williams the best of luck for the 2024 games! We have no doubt that they will make Team GB proud.
Their story is a reminder that love, perseverance, and inclusion are the foundations of a better world. Let’s all work together to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
