Illinois graduate Tatyana McFadden has high expectations for herself for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.
The Russian native by way of Clarksville, Maryland plans to compete in six events and a marathon – and take gold in each one. The trip to Rio will mark her fifth Paralympic Games appearance.
“I’m only 27 and to already compete in five games is unbelievable,” said McFadden. “It’s always really honoring, humbling and it takes a lot of work to make the team. It’s quite a journey that I love and a journey that I’ve wanted ever since a young child. I love racing and it’s what I think about all the time. I love traveling and I love what’s it’s brought to my life at the moment. I love it all.”
In a recent interview with NBC this year, McFadden shared that she will compete in the 100, 400, 800, 1,500, 5,000, 4x400 meters and a marathon. There may be the possibility of her competing in a relay at the end.
Affectionately known as “The Beast,” McFadden has proved that she is an asset to the team since her first Paralympic appearance in 2004 at Athens. Since that time, McFadden has collected three gold medals, four silver, and five bronze medals during the Paralympics Games.
McFadden’s events can be watched during the September 7-18 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Follow updates with Tatyana McFadden on Twitter @TatyanaMcFadden. For all Paralympic updates, follow the U.S. Paralympic Facebook and Twitter.
