Get to know 2024 Paralympian and NCAA Women’s Collegiate Triathlete Emma Meyers

How has life been, post-Games? 

Life has been good and crazy and stressful all at the same time! A lot has happened in a short amount of time. Luckily, I was able to move to college before I left for the Games and I am taking all online classes this semester, so I was pretty well situated in those regards. But as soon as I got back to Colorado, I was back to the grind training with the CMU team.  

My coaches and USA teammates always told me that collegiate training is at a whole different level, but I didn’t truly understand until I was in the midst of it. I have found a schedule that is working for me school-wise and training-wise, so now I am starting to enjoy myself. 

What is your biggest takeaway from the Games? 

I am stronger than I think, not just physically but also mentally. Leading up to the race, it was quite chaotic. There were unknowns about the race. When would we race? Would we be swimming? It was my first Games. I was the youngest member of the USA team. But I made it. I raced hard and I enjoyed myself. 

Favorite memory from the Games other than racing? 

I really enjoyed spending time with my teammates, especially after our race. One day, a couple friends and I explored downtown Paris all day. We had quite an adventure and went everywhere! We walked around the Louvre, passed cathedrals, saw the metal horse that galloped down the Seine in the Olympic opening ceremony, and watched the Olympic Cauldron being lit up and rise up into the sky. Riding bikes in downtown Paris at night was quite an experience! At one point, we were almost directly under the sparkling Eiffel Tower. 

Another day, USA Paratriathlon had a rooftop celebration. We were able to celebrate all of our teammates, the coaches, staff, and everyone who supported us, specifically the USA Triathlon Foundation. The view from the party was fantastic! We could see Les Invalides, the Eiffel Tower, and the Olympic Cauldron. 

Favorite piece of clothing gear from the Games? 

The Team USA Media Day outfit. It is a light blue, very comfortable tracksuit that I still wear on a regular basis. 

What are you looking forward to over the next four years? 

I am excited to see how much I improve as an athlete and grow as a person in college. It has been interesting to experience the differences in college racing compared to World Triathlon racing. I came into the college season pretty exhausted, so I am excited about being able to compete next year stronger and rested. I am also looking forward to getting into my major, social work, and being able to help people. Really, I am just looking forward to seeing what the future has to offer. 

Tell us about majoring in social work.

My goal is to work with non-profit organizations on promoting mental health and active lifestyles, specifically those with disabilities. I understand and am able to relate to the struggles and challenges that people with disabilities experience. I also know how much physical activity helps with mental health. I want to help people and make a positive impact on society.  

Favorite spot on campus and in Grand Junction. 

My favorite spot on campus is the Plaza, where the majority of the school events are held. My favorite spot in Grand Junction, that is tough. I would say the Colorado National Monument. I absolutely love being outdoors and the Monument is one of the best spots to hang out as there is so much to do.  

What are some of the differences you’ve noticed so far between elite para racing and draft-legal racing in college? 

Everything about collegiate racing is different. For one, in collegiate racing you are able to draft. Whereas in para racing it is non-drafting. With that being said, having a good swim in collegiate racing is crucial as it can help set you up for a good pack on the bike. Also, in collegiate racing there are, maybe, two waves and you can get lapped out. This means that athletes who are overtaken (lapped) by the race leader on the bike course are disqualified and must walk back to transition. In paratriathlon there are the same number of athletes competing, but we compete in smaller waves. We are broken up by our classifications. My classification is PTS4 and we are usually one of the last waves, but there is no rule about being lapped.  

No matter the race, whether it is a para or collegiate, the environment is always so positive. Even though we are all so focused on our race, we still make time to cheer on our teammates. That is one of the things I love most about triathlon. 

What does it mean to you to compete in NCAA women’s triathlon as a para-athlete? 

I am very proud to be the first paratriathlete to compete in varsity NCAA triathlon. I hope that other para-athletes see me and go for their goals. I would love to have some more paratriathletes racing with me collegiately. 

What made you choose Colorado Mesa and what is your favorite part of being on the team? 

I chose Colorado Mesa University for multiple reasons. The school met all of my academic and athletic needs. Everyone who I talked to before committing and before the school year were super proactive and they still are. When choosing a team, I was looking for a team that would push and challenge me. I also wanted a team that supported each other not just in triathlon, but in life. My coach, Jen Mathe, has been super supportive and proactive. She has stepped up to the plate for me multiple times and I really appreciate her. I am really enjoying being a part of a team! Having people to train with on a regular basis makes workouts more fun. I have made some good friends on the team and we enjoy doing things outside of workouts. 

What have you taught your teammates about paratriathlon/what questions have they asked you about being a para athlete? 

I have shown them that I train, race and play just like they do. My new teammates also now know about pre-transition, the transition I have after the swim where I put on my prosthetic leg so I can run to transition, and about all the different prosthetics I use and their purposes.