The Heroes We Need

hen it comes to heroes, female athletes have always been some of our biggest trailblazers. Time and time again, they display the kind of resilience, bravery and mental toughness that can’t be matched – never afraid to break down barriers, smash long-held records. In top condition after almost four years of meticulously planned training to reach their mental and physical peak in time for what would have been Tokyo 2020, they were primed and ready for the event that every elite athlete strives for. Then the pandemic hit, the world’s borders slammed shut – and the lives and careers of those who play on the Olympic and Paralympic stage were put on permanent hold.