(NEXSTAR) – Paralympics sitting volleyball champion Nicky Nieves is ready to “crush” her goals after having to withdraw from the 2020 Paralympics team because of illness.
“Just taking back everything that was taken from me and competing with my athletes,” Nieves said during the U.S. Olympic Media Summit in New York City earlier this month. She says her dream is to win a gold medal in the Paris 2024 games.
The 34-year-old from Kissimmee, Florida began her Paralympics journey in 2011, and she took home a gold medal at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio. Nieves believes this team is one that could come home with a gold medal this summer.
“I feel like every adversity that’s been thrown our way we’ve adapted, adjusted and overcame, and Paris is no different,” Nieves said.
Nieves, who was born with only one hand, founded the nonprofit Limitless People Inc. in 2018. The organization provides people with the opportunity to play and learn both sitting and standing volleyball.