'More than I can dream of': Lee County Paralympians reflect on competing in Tokyo Games

Emma Rose Ravish, 21, was the youngest member of the Team USA Paralympic archery team. At 63, Terry Hayes, a fencer, was the oldest Team USA member.

The Lee County residents proved success can come at any age, representing their country at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5 and coming away from the experience with more than medals.

“It exceeded every expectation that I had,” Hayes said.

“It was more than I can dream of, to be honest,” Ravish stated.

They both emerged from competition inspired by their fellow athletes and proud of their performances even if they fell short of medal hopes.

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Ravish and Hayes happened to stay in the same suite in Japan and taught each other about their respective sports.

“I got to see (Ravish) every day, so it was really nice,” Hayes said. “We had a lot of laughs together.”

Ravish said she overcame equipment issues to shoot a personal best in the first-ever mixed team recurve archery event. Ravish and her partner, Eric Bennett, ended up ninth.

“I didn’t get gold, but overall I’m still really pleased with how I performed,” Ravish said.

The U.S. women's épée fencing team was defeated in the preliminary pool, but Hayes felt accomplished for scoring the most points for the U.S. in their bouts against China.

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She remarked that it felt good to know she could compete with athletes more than 40 years younger.

There were special moments outside of the competition as well.

Hayes made friends with a Japanese volunteer and former wheelchair fencer named Tomoko. They did not speak the same language, but they would exchange gifts throughout Hayes’ stay. Hayes even taught her friend how to fist bump.

Both Ravish and Hayes were moved by meeting the other inspiring athletes at the Paralympics. Hayes said she loved seeing the enthusiasm of the younger competitors.

For Ravish, it was the first time she met people with similar disabilities.

She described the coolest moment of her Paralympic experience – when Team USA entered the venue at the Opening Ceremonies. They marched together with a “USA! USA!” chant.

“It kind of solidified the fact that, hey, you’re in the Tokyo Paralympics,” Ravish said.

Ravish plans to compete at the Paris Paralympic Games in 2024, and she said her Tokyo experience makes her even more determined.

After all the intense training prior to Tokyo, Hayes is going to take it easy before her next national tournament in January.

Hayes described how there was nothing like hearing her name announced over the loudspeaker prior to every time she competed at the Paralympics. It frequently made her choke up.

“I was just unbelievably proud to represent my country,” Hayes said.

Follow News-Press Sports Reporter Dustin Levy on Twitter: @DustinBLevy. For additional coverage of sports across Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.