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Meet the Paralympians representing Tampa Bay at the 2024 Paris Games

Two athletes with TBAY ties are going for the gold.

August 27, 2024 • 
Patrick Sidwell
A close-up shot of the Eiffel Tower from below. The Olympic rings are on the front of the tower, and we are looking up at it as it sits beneath a clear blue sky.

We’re headed back to the City of Love.

Photo via Shea Stapley

Just when you thought Paris 2024 was over, it’s time to get the Stars and Stripes out again to cheer on Team USA. The Paris 2024 Paralympics Games run Wednesday, Aug. 28 to Sunday, Sept. 8, featuring 549 events across 22 sports.

Let’s meet the two athletes representing the Tampa Bay area:

Jenson Van Emburgh | Para Table Tennis

The Belleair Beach local is competing at his second Paralympic Games. The Seminole High School grad won a bronze medal at Tokyo 2020, and took home the silver at the 2022 World Championships.

Tracy Otto | Para Archery

It’s the first Paralympics experience for the Plant City native and University of Tampa alum — who won gold at the 2024 Para Pan American Championships. Otto’s Instagram bio reads, “blessed to be given a second chance at life.” Her story is worth a read. Editor’s note: This story covers sensitive topics relating to domestic violence.

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