French Triumphant Trio: Lea, Gloria, and Assya Poised To Ignite Paris 2024!

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Competing on home soil at the Paralympic Games is a dream come true for any athlete, offering the chance to channel the energy and support of an entire nation. Three remarkable French women with intellectual impairments are ready to make their mark and raise the French flag high on the podium at Paris 2024.

Léa Ferney

 

Lea Ferney in action in Women’s Singles Class 11 at Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Photo Credit: OIS/Joe Toth.

Léa Ferney’s love for table tennis began in her parent’s garage at the age of 7, playing with her brother. While her brother eventually moved on, Léa’s passion only grew stronger. At 11, the Adapted Sports Federation recognized her talent, and by 12, she was listed as a high-level athlete.

“I’ve learned to outplay strong opponents and win,” Léa shared with Virtus.

At her first Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020, Léa didn’t just aim for a medal—she secured a stunning silver, defeating world-class players along the way. Throughout her career, Léa has won six World Championship medals, including two golds, and two European medals. Despite a setback at the 2022 Virtus European Summer Games, she bounced back to dominate in Andalucía. Now ranked No. 7 in the ITTF World rankings, Léa is ready to shine at her second Paralympic Games, this time in front of a roaring home crowd.

Gloria Agblemagnon

 

Gloria at 2023 Virtus Global Games 2023. Phot Credit: Kellerman lens

Gloria Agblemagnon discovered her talent for hammer, discus, and shot-put at the age of thirteen years, and by the time she turned fifteen, she was committed to winning medals on the international stage.

“I knew this wasn’t just a hobby for me. I wanted to pursue this seriously,” Gloria said.

Making her Paralympic debut at just eighteen in Rio 2016, Gloria has since secured six World Championship medals, including four golds, and five European medals. With this impressive haul, Gloria is heading into her third Paralympic Games with the fire and focus to secure a podium finish in Paris.

Assya Maurin-Espiau

 

Assya Maurin-Espiau at 2021 Virtus World Championships. Photo Credit: Luc Percival

Assya Maurin-Espiau, a determined swimmer from a small village in France, is gearing up for her Paralympic debut in Paris in 2024. Overcoming bullying and discrimination due to her intellectual impairment, Assya found strength and purpose in the water.

Assya has excelled in various international competitions, winning a total of six gold, five silver, and five bronze medals. At the 2024 European Championships in Funchal, she claimed

gold in the 100m breaststroke and bronze in the 100m backstroke. In the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, she secured two silver and four bronze medals across multiple events. Additionally, at the 2021 Virtus World Championships in Montluçon, the athlete earned three gold and two silver medals, showcasing her dominance in swimming events.

“My goal is to make it to the podium, to win a bronze medal. I’m ranked fifth in my favourite events, so a final is definitely possible. I want to live every moment to the fullest at the Paralympic Games Paris 2024.”

Her passion for relays and her drive to make her family proud push her to excel, and she is determined to leave her mark on her first Paralympic Games.

These three incredible athletes are poised to ignite the stage at Paris 2024, each bringing their unique talents and unyielding determination to make France proud.

Join Virtus’ #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE campaign in making these three French women’s journeys Visible.

WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENT?

Intellectual impairment is an umbrella term to describe a vast and neuro-diverse group of people with varying types of cognitive impairments including intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism. Having an intellectual impairment impacts how an athlete understands the rules of the sport, interacts with other players, and adjusts to different environments. They might find it difficult to manage reaction times, remember specific race or game strategies, retain focus for long period of time, or maintaining impulse control.