Mélanie Sandré
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Mélanie Sandré is an athlete who was part of Ariddia’s delegation to the Tyrellian Ylompic Games. She was included in the delegation at her request, after it had supposedly been finalised.
Born in the outer suburbs of the Ariddian city of Espérence, Sandré is an athlete with a disability, having lost her left leg in a car accident while on holiday abroad. With much time and effort, she resumed her training as an athlete, refusing to allow her disability to put an end to her career. When the Ariddian Olympic Committee (C.O.A.) began considering athletes to send to the Ylompics, which did not include events for handicapped athletes, they did not initially think of Sandré. However, the C.O.A. quickly accepted to send Sandré as an Ariddian representative to the Games. C.O.A. President Eo Sheh explained:
- It is essentially to draw public attention to this lack [of international events for disabled athletes], and indeed to the very existence, courage, resourcefulness and determination of athletes with disabilities, that Ms. Sandré has requested to be made a part of Ariddia’s delegation to the Ylompic Games. [1]
Sandré, as per her own wishes, competed in only one event, the Women’s 50m Freestyle. She competed alongside non-disabled athletes, as if she herself were not disabled, and finished 23rd overall in the heats. Although she did not advance to the semi-finals, she did better than seven other athletes.
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International reactions
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, a nation which is also participate in the Tyrellian Ylompics, praised the C.O.A.’s decision, and announced that ASMV would also be sending an athlete with a disability. Courtney Fallon, who is paralysed from the waist down, will be taking part in the Women’s Marathon in her wheelchair. [2] Andossa Se Mitrin Vega and Ariddia both appealed to other nations to follow suite, a call which remained unanswered.
Results in international events
Tyrellian Ylompic Games
- Women’s 50m Freestyle
- Heats: 0:24.46 (23rd overall - did not advance)
First Summer Olympiad
It is possible that Mélanie Sandré will be participating in the First Summer Olympics, but this has yet to be confirmed.
