Brandy Perrine, known as the "Iron girl" of Mauritian para-athletics, is launching an appeal for solidarity from citizens and businesses to help her achieve her dream of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. Perrine, who has been practicing wheelchair racing for 12 years, specializes in the 100m and 400m events and also competes in the 1500m at the Indian Ocean Island Games every four years. Her current wheelchair is a significant obstacle to her progress.
Perrine's passion for sports began in 2013 when she met Véronique Marisson, the director of a handisport club, at a parish party. She started with wheelchair tennis and later discovered wheelchair basketball and athletics. Her interest in athletics was sparked by observing athletes on the track, and she was drawn to the speed of the sport. Perrine's distances of preference are the 100m and 400m, and she also trains for the 1500m event.
The 28-year-old athlete has already experienced setbacks in her career due to her equipment. At the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, she fell during the 800m event and suffered from chest pain. Her wheelchair was damaged, and it took her two to three years to find a coach who could provide her with advice on how to stabilize her chair. Perrine participated in the 2024 Kobe World Championships, where she finished just off the podium.
Perrine believes that her current wheelchair is a significant hindrance to her progress. She claims that athletes with more advanced, aerodynamic wheelchairs have a significant advantage over her. Physically, Perrine feels she is 90% ready to compete at the international level, but her equipment holds her back. Her goal is to replace her wheelchair with a customized, personalized one that will allow her to compete at her best.
Perrine's new wheelchair will be designed to fit her specific needs, taking into account her unique posture and physical characteristics. She will travel to England for the final adjustments to be made, as there are no technicians in Mauritius who can provide her with the necessary guidance. The fundraising campaign, which is being run on the Small Step Matters platform, aims to raise funds for the new wheelchair.
Perrine's dream is to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, and she believes that her new wheelchair will be a crucial factor in her success. The fundraising campaign is expected to take five months, and the wheelchair will take around nine months to manufacture. Perrine is optimistic that with the support of citizens and businesses, she will be able to achieve her goal.
Born on September 8, 1998, in Candos, Mauritius, Perrine has overcome significant challenges in her life. She was born with a malformation in both legs and underwent multiple surgeries in India. Despite these challenges, Perrine has shown remarkable determination and resilience, and her story has touched the hearts of the team at Small Step Matters.
Key points
- Brandy Perrine is seeking a new, customized wheelchair to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
- The 28-year-old athlete has been practicing wheelchair racing for 12 years and specializes in the 100m and 400m events.
- Perrine's fundraising campaign is being run on the Small Step Matters platform.
