Suzanna Hext, a world championship swimmer from Calne in Wiltshire, is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to hear the crowds cheering her on for the first time at the Paris Paralympics, thanks to a groundbreaking rule change.
The 2023 regulation allows Hext, who was born with a hearing impairment and is now profoundly deaf, to wear her cochlear implants during competition.
Hext, 34, will be competing in the S5 100m freestyle at the Paralympics, which run from August 28 to September 8.
The swimmer, who first competed at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics when COVID restrictions meant no crowds were present, expressed her excitement about the new experience.
“Having that crowd and that feel of the atmosphere, it’s got to give you a buzz to get down that pool pretty quick,” she said.
Cochlear implants, unlike hearing aids, convert sound into electrical signals that stimulate the cochlea, a part of the inner ear, allowing those who cannot be helped by hearing aids to perceive sound.
For Hext, this technological advancement opens up a new dimension of her competitive experience. In addition to hearing the crowd for the first time, she will also have the support of friends and family cheering her on in Paris.
Hext’s journey to the Paralympics has been a remarkable one. In 2012, at the age of 23, she was a promising young horse rider when a “freak accident” during a ride left her paralyzed from the waist down.
She sustained severe injuries, including a broken pelvis, spinal cord damage, and a brain injury. Reflecting on the accident, Hext said, “Before my accident, life in some ways slotted into place. Life felt pretty perfect… but then my whole world fell apart.”
Despite the devastation, Hext found hope while recovering in the hospital. Watching the Paralympics on television inspired her to pursue a new path in swimming. “Seeing athletes completely smashing it despite their disability, I was like, well, if they can do it, I can do it,” she shared.
Hext went on to claim her first world title in the S5 50m freestyle at the Para Swimming World Championships last year.
Her determination and resilience have made her a formidable competitor, but she remains grounded by the support of her loved ones. “Emotionally, I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family, partner, and friends. It’s a team effort to get to this point,” she said.
As the Paris Paralympics approach, Hext admits to feeling a “mix of emotions.” She described herself as “super excited” but also “absolutely terrified.”
However, her focus remains on fully immersing herself in the experience and supporting her teammates. “Obviously I’d love to win a medal, but if I come out of Paris giving it everything I’ve got… then I’ll be over the moon,” she added.
Hext’s story is a testament to her extraordinary strength and resilience, and as she prepares for the Paralympic Games, she is ready to embrace every moment of the journey, including the sound of the crowd for the very first time.
