This story originally appeared on WIRED Italia and has been translated from Italian.
John McFall’s sporting record alone would be enough to justify him being the flag bearer for the 2024 Paralympics. He won silver in the 100 meters (T42) and bronze in the 200 meters at the 2006 IPC World Championships; was world champion in the 100 and 200 meters at the 2007 IWAS World Games; won the 2007 Paralympic World Cup in the 200 meters as well as picking up silver in the 100 meters; and was a bronze medalist in the 100 meters at the 2008 Paralympic Games.
But on top of his sporting achievements, McFall—who has retired