Brazilian Table Tennis Star Bruna Alexandre and Australian Competitor Melissa Tapper to Compete in Both Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
5 minutes read. Updated 10:58PM GMT Sat, 3August , 2024
Brazilian table tennis player Bruna Alexandre and Australian competitor Melissa Tapper are poised to make their mark at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. This historic achievement will see both athletes participating in the Summer Games and the upcoming Paralympics, joining an elite group of athletes who have accomplished the Games double.
Bruna Alexandre, a 29-year-old from Brazil, faced a life-altering challenge early on. Due to a blood clot shortly after birth, she underwent the amputation of her right arm. Despite this significant hurdle, Alexandre has excelled in her sport, showcasing remarkable skill and resilience.
Melissa Tapper, a 34-year-old from Australia, also brings an inspiring story to the table. Tapper was born with brachial plexus palsy, a condition affecting her right arm due to complications during birth. Her participation in both the Olympics and Paralympics is a testament to her dedication and strength.
Their journey is reminiscent of past athletes who have achieved the Summer Games double. Among them is South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius, who competed in both the Olympics and Paralympics in London 2012. Pistorius, known for his double-amputee status, was released from prison in January 2023 after serving nearly nine years for a high-profile crime.
Melissa Tapper expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, reflecting on her experiences in previous Games. “It’s awesome, an absolute privilege to be able to do it,” Tapper told The Associated Press. She previously achieved the double in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021. Although she was eliminated in her opening singles match in Paris against South Korea’s No. 4 seed Shin Yu-bin, Tapper remains optimistic about her upcoming Paralympic events.
“Being out in the arena was just insane,” Tapper added. “The French crowd were really, really awesome. It was nice being out there, getting a feel for the venue, and knowing that we’ll be back for the Paralympics. It’s good to be familiar with the environment before starting the next event.”
The presence of Alexandre and Tapper in both the Olympics and Paralympics underscores the spirit of inclusion and perseverance in sports. Their participation not only highlights their personal achievements but also represents a broader movement towards greater representation and diversity in international athletics.
For more updates on the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, visit The Associated Press.
