Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take?
Gustavo Fernández on ableism, unequal prize money and defining your own limits
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Episode notes
Gustavo Fernández has won just about every major trophy in wheelchair tennis, but there is one that eludes him - a Paralympic medal. He takes a break from his packed schedule to talk to Paralympic silver medallist Matt “The Armless Archer” Stutzman and legendary Olympian Michael Johnson about his determination to medal at this summer’s Paralympics.
Gustavo talks about growing up in Argentina, a country working toward giving disabled people better opportunities. We hear about his route into sport and the toll it has taken on his body. The trio explore pay and sponsorship discrepancies between non-disabled and disabled elite athletes and Matt volunteers Michael’s services as a giver of ice baths to soothe Gustavo’s aches and pains.
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 summer and winter Paralympian Birgit Skarstein.
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, The Championship Wimbledon 2015, Australian Open TV 2017
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