Episode 662: Amanda McGrory: Four-Time Paralympian on Building Visibility in the Sport

Four-time Paralympian and seven-time medalist Amanda McGrory joins the podcast for a long-awaited conversation. Amanda competed at the 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2021 Paralympic Games, once held the world record in the 5,000 meters, has raced over 100 marathons, and has won major races including the New York City Marathon, London Marathon, and Grandma’s Marathon, with additional podium finishes in Boston.

Now retired from elite competition, Amanda has built an impressive second career as an on-air analyst for major marathons and championships, including coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. Lindsey and Amanda talk through her journey into wheelchair racing, the Paralympic moments that meant the most to her, and what it’s been like stepping into the media side of the sport and covering races live on camera.

Amanda also shares her role as Team USA Archivist and Collection Curator, offering insight into how she’s stayed deeply connected to the sport she helped shape. From early memories of discovering adaptive sports, to racing tactics and strategy, to reinvention after setbacks, this conversation highlights Amanda’s impact as both an athlete and a visible leader in Paralympic sport today.

Topics Covered:

Discovering wheelchair racing and adaptive sport at a young age

Competing in four Paralympic Games (2008–2021)

Holding the world record in the 5,000 meters

Winning major marathons and racing over 100 total marathons

Transitioning from elite athlete to broadcast analyst

Covering major marathons, the Olympic Games, and Paralympic Games on live TV

Becoming Team USA Archivist and Collection Curator

Representation and visibility in Paralympic sport

Wheelchair racing tactics, speed, and strategy

Track racing vs marathon racing in a wheelchair

The emotional highs and lows of Paralympic competition

Reinventing training, mindset, and approach after setbacks

Knowing when it was time to retire from elite competition

Staying active after retirement without training like a professional

Growth of Paralympic media coverage and fan engagement

The role of technology and equipment in wheelchair racing

Equity challenges in access to top-tier racing chairs

Balancing social media, storytelling, and personal boundaries

Saying yes to opportunities and trusting the process

Media Recommendations:

Books

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Harry Potter series

TV Shows

Taskmaster

Loot

Severance

Shrinking

Ted Lasso

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