Katia Aere

Started: She took up Para cycling in 2018. (mafra.it, 11 Mar 2021) Reason: She was encouraged to take up the sport by Italian Para cyclist Alex Zanardi. (mafra.it, 11 Mar 2021) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (messaggeroveneto.gelocal.it, 17 Oct 2023; bradipodiario.it, 24 Feb 2024) Awards: She was presented with the 2018 'Premio Pari e Uguali' [Equal and Equal Award] by the Pari e Uguali association in Italy. The award recognises individuals who achieve their goals with passion, commitment and sacrifice. (obizzi.it, 22 Sep 2018) Additional Info: PARA SWIMMING She has also represented Italy in Para swimming. She was inspired to take up Para swimming after watching the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. As a child she feared the water, but she overcame her fear when she took up hydrotherapy as part of her rehabilitation. "A world opened up and I found the confirmation I was looking for like a light, it was an understanding that everything happens for a reason." (obiettivo3.com, 28 Nov 2018; gazzetta.it, 17 Oct 2017)