Tracy Otto, paralyzed in a brutal attack by her ex-boyfriend in 2019, has made an inspiring comeback as a Paralympian on the U.S. archery team for Paris 2024. Overcoming severe injuries, she now competes using a specialized harness, symbolizing resilience and hope. Otto aims to inspire others with her story of triumph over adversity.
Tracy Otto was simply enjoying her lunch when life threw her a surprising curveball: she was going to the Paralympics.
“They gave Ricky [Riessle], my boyfriend, this box with a hat in it, saying ‘you’re qualified’,” the 28-year-old tells BBC Sport.
“When he presented it to me I was eating, I had food in my mouth. So I was eating and crying, and there were cameras everywhere.”
Selected for the United States archery team, Otto will compete in mixed teams alongside partner Jason Tabansky and in the W1 open individuals competition at Paris 2024.
“It’s so cool,” Otto exclaimed from her Tampa home, a broad grin lighting up her face. “From being on my deathbed to the Paralympics is just a crazy journey. I am in awe of myself and my team.”
A night that changed everything
In October 2019, Otto’s life took a devastating turn when she was attacked by her ex-boyfriend. The assault left her paralyzed from the chest down, with limited use of her arms and hands, and robbed her of her left eye. She also lost the ability to sweat or regulate her body temperature.
In a candid recount of the night that altered her life, Otto aims to “be a light, a beacon of hope in this world,” offering support to women who have suffered violence at the hands of a partner or ex.
The harrowing attack
Otto ended her relationship in September 2019. Just a month later, her ex-boyfriend attacked her in her Riverview, Florida home.
“I had broken up with my ex, kicked him out, told him to leave, he gathered all of his things, he was gone and I had changed all of the locks on my house. Everything was done,” Otto recalled.
However, the night of October 24, 2019, turned horrific. Her ex-boyfriend broke into her home armed with a high-powered pellet gun, a knife, and handcuffs. After a violent confrontation, he shot Otto through the left eye, stabbed her in the back of the neck, and sexually assaulted her, leaving her paralyzed.
In January 2023, the assailant pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
The road to recovery and beyond
Nearly five years later, Otto is still navigating life with her injuries. “It’s more than just the paralysis and the wheelchair that you see on the outside, there’s a lot going on the inside that doesn’t function any more,” she explained.
Despite the challenges, Otto, who once aspired to be a fitness model, was determined to stay active. In March 2021, she discovered archery, a sport she had never tried before.
“I was in the car with Ricky, thinking about how I had lots of time on my hands – I can’t work traditional jobs any more,” she said. “And I just thought ‘why not try archery?’ Ricky was like ‘your hands don’t work’, but I just thought we’d figure it out.”
Triumph against all odds
Otto’s determination led her to become a Paralympian. Using a specially designed harness, she shoots arrows with her mouth. Her journey from a novice to a top-tier athlete was swift and impressive.
“I wanted to go for Paralympics right away. In my second week of practice I was asking ‘what does competing look like?'” she shared.
Otto met the qualifying score for the Paralympics last summer and confirmed her place in Paris 2024 in a three-stage series earlier this year.
A beacon of hope
Otto’s story is a testament to resilience and determination. “I have always wanted to leave an impact on this world, and be a light. There is so much darkness and hate, I can’t justify not talking about and being an example for people hurt like me,” she said. “My life is so much better now, much more colourful and full of love and laughter than it was before.”
Otto’s journey from a life-altering assault to becoming a Paralympian serves as an inspiration, proving that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, triumph is possible.