Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take?

Kadeena Cox on mindset, medals and the need for speed

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Episode notes

Kadeena Cox regularly strikes gold in both Para Athletics and Para Cycling but what does it take to succeed in not one, but TWO sports? 


She joins Paralympic silver medallist Matt “The Armless Archer” Stutzman and legendary Olympian Michael Johnson to share just how she reached the top of two very different Paralympic sports


Kadeena’s athletic career began in able-bodied sport, but a stroke followed by an MS diagnosis put an end to that. Our hosts learn how grit and determination resulted in Kadeena dominating on the athletics track and in the cycling velodrome at successive Paralympic Games.


Kadeena talks candidly about issues faced by those with non-visible disabilities and her work to promote diverse ethnic communities in elite cycling. But can Michael encourage speed demons Matt and Kadeena to team up in a tandem?


In Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? Matt and Michael explore the hard work, drive, dedication and sacrifice required to become an elite Paralympian. Come back next time when they’re joined by proud member of Les Bleus, the blind footballer, Gaël Rivière.


Brought to you by the creators of Emmy Award winning Rising Phoenix. Supported by global partners Procter & Gamble - the makers of Oral-B, Pampers and Gillette Venus - and adidas. 


You can watch the video version of this episode on the Rising Phoenix Youtube channel here.


This is a Persephonica production in partnership with Harder Than You Think. 


Hosts: Michael Johnson and Matt Stutzman

Producers: Marilyn Rust and Calum Campbell

Director of video: Oliver Geraghty

Video production: Dan Pape 

Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Ellie Clifford



“Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman

Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.


Archive Material: IPC Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020



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