Interview with Kadeena Cox ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Channel 4

27 August 2024

We sat down with Kadeena Cox ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Channel 4

This is going to be another Paralympics under your belt, are you thrilled to be taking part in another competition? 
I am so excited to be taking part in another Paralympic Games. It’s such a special thing. We’ve had so many up and downs. The last one was in Tokyo, which we didn't have any fans at, so I’m excited to celebrate Paralympic sport this summer.  

It also must be hugely exciting that this is your first Paralympics on European soil? Does this mean more family can come and cheer you on?  
I’m really excited. Obviously with it being across the road in Paris, all my family are coming. I’ve got quite random people coming from my local area back in Leeds too, which is so exciting. It’s such a nice thing knowing they are there.   

What do the Paralympics mean to you?   
It is an opportunity for people with disabilities to showcase what we can do and not what we can’t do. It’s such an important thing that we are just seen as athletes, out there enjoying sport. Even though we have impairments, we’re able to go out there and live our best lives.  

You’re one of the rare athletes who competes in different disciplines. Do you have a preference between athletics and cycling or are they equally important to you?  
I feel like athletics has always been my first love. I like cycling because I can go fast, but I can’t pick.  

Aside from your own, which Paralympics events do you look forward to the most? 
I really enjoy wheelchair basketball. If I could do another sport, it would be that. I’ve got a few friends on the male and female teams. They are in a good place right now, so it will be very exciting.  

Tell us a little bit about what it’s like being part of ParalympicsGB. What is the atmosphere in the athletes’ village like during a Games? 
It is an absolute vibe! They set it up so nicely. In Rio we had a screen outside and deckchairs so we could all watch together. It’s about togetherness and all the sports supporting each other. You get people saying ‘well done’ who you’ve never met before. It’s a vibe! 

What impact do you think Channel 4 has had on the Paralympics? 
Channel 4has been so great for the Paralympics. Being able to showcase so many events consistently. It was great during Tokyo when my family weren’t able to come out to watch. Being able to showcase the different disabilities and explaining what they are. It has been great to have that visibility.  
 
We can’t forget you’re going to be in Paris! Have you been before? What’s your favourite thing to do?  
I have! I’ve got a really cool video of me dancing outside the Louvre! I love dancing in random places. The food is great, too.  

How is your French? Can you give us your best phrase?
My French is not great. Of all my GCSEs that's the only one I got lower than a C in. I can’t speak that much French really.  

Stream and watch live on Channel 4 all day, every day from Wednesday 28th August to Sunday 8th September