Dani Kanas, of Lutz, is one of eight student-athletes from the University of Alabama’s Adapted Athletics program who are hoping to compete in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
Kanas, who was a standout at Steinbrenner High School, hopes to compete in the Para Track and Field events. She is expected to find out in June whether she has been selected, according to a University of Alabama news release.
This wouldn’t be Kanas’ first international competition.
The one-arm javelin thrower has demonstrated her skill both locally and abroad, and besides enjoying the challenge, she welcomes the chance to be a role model for other athletes.
In a previous interview with The Laker/Lutz News, she said: “My goal is to show others — who may have a similar story to mine, who may be in a similar situation as me — that they shouldn’t let their disability stop them … I want them to know that this community (of adaptive athletes) exists and they shouldn’t just assume they can’t do it because they’re not able-bodied.”
