Part Two - Becoming a Para Nordic Skiing buff

When I got the volunteer writer role with the International Paralympic Committee back in 2016, I never thought I’d end up as a Para Nordic skiing buff. 

But through a series of articles, listicles and athlete interviews, it gradually became my go-to Paralympic sport. Here are the stats to date:

❄️ Para Nordic skiing (the collective name for biathlon and cross-country skiing) – 42

🏸 Para badminton – 7

⚔️ Wheelchair Fencing – 5

🏊 Para swimming, Para canoe – 4

🚣 Para rowing – 2

🥋 Judo - 1

I interviewed Canadians and Ukrainians, Norwegians and South Koreans – each with a story to tell and each at different stages of their careers. 

This put me in a great position ahead of my first Paralympic Winter Games at the start of 2018. I knew what was going on and who to look out for, making the sports much more enjoyable. I could add my own running commentary to the events (much to the annoyance of those around me). And as an added bonus, I also ended up meeting my IPC volunteer boss and – unknowingly – future Allianz boss.

It was all very exciting. And this was only the start.

In the summer of 2018, I got my first taste of Munich at Allianz’s very own global sports event – Allianz Sports. Having scraped onto the British team, I ran a half marathon around the Olympic Park, little knowing that within just a few months, it would go from route to routine. 

Back from Munich and with the summer upon me, I couldn’t wait to have a week of nothing. No deadlines, no emails, no pressure. So when my boss messaged me first thing on the first day of my holiday, you can imagine my reaction.

But it was good news. Allianz was to become a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner. Would I be interested in getting involved? I phoned back immediately. And back to Germany I went.

🔜 Part three – Munich calling

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