Eden Rainbow-Cooper

Started: She began wheelchair racing in high school in 2012. (gofundme.com, 21 Nov 2022) Reason: "I was initially inspired by [British wheelchair racer] Dave Weir's performance at the London 2012 Paralympics, and watching the crowds go crazy. I started wheelchair racing when my senior school took me to a programme called Playground to Podium. I tried wheelchair racing there and never looked back, I had never thought of doing sport before but when I got in the chair I felt free as I could go quicker than I had been before." (tresamagazine.com, 10 Feb 2023; gofundme.com, 21 Nov 2022) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (portsmouth.co.uk, 31 Jul 2022) Milestones: In 2024 she became the first athlete from Great Britain to win the women's wheelchair race at the Boston Marathon in the United States of America. (britishathletics.org.uk, 15 Apr 2024; boston.com, 15 Apr 2024) Additional Info: EVENT PREFERENCE She initially preferred sprint events when she started wheelchair racing, but she has progressed to compete over longer distances, including marathons. She took part in her first marathon in May 2022 and had raced in 10 marathons by November 2023. "I love both competing on track and on the road, when I first started the sport I was adamant I would be a sprinter, the adrenaline rush from 30 seconds of pushing is incredible, but I love the tactics of a long race. For me, the track has the fast pace all out that I really enjoy, you never know what is going to happen until you're over the line. However, the road I feel is the ultimate test of how far I can push myself both mentally and physically, I love the challenge." (Instagram profile, 06 Nov 2023; tresamagazine.com, 10 Feb 2023; portsmouth.co.uk, 31 Jul 2022) OCCUPATION She has worked as a digital marketing apprentice. "When I am not racing then I am working. I love both my careers and want to succeed in them both." (tresamagazine.com, 10 Feb 2023)