3 Years After Attempting Suicide, Deja Young Won Gold at 2019 Para Athletics Worlds

Deja is no stranger to the platform, having won the 100- and 200-meter sprints at both the 2016 Paralympic Games and also the 2017 World Championships. The 23-year-old likewise took home 100-meter gold and also 200-meter silver at the championships in 2015 (note: track as well as field occasions are broken up by categories based upon professional athletes’ disabilities).

Deja was birthed with brachial plexus, or shoulder dystocia, which caused restricted movement and also nerve damage in her appropriate shoulder.

On Nov. 13, US Paralympic athlete Deja Young ran to victory in the 200-meter T47 event at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai. She additionally completed second in the 100-meter T47 behind fellow American Brittni Mason, after setting a globe document of 11.92 seconds in the prelims (Brittni defeat that record in the finals).

Deja’s achievements on the world phase have come regardless of a collection of difficulties off the track. In 2016, prior to the Paralympics in Rio, she tried suicide. She told The National that she spiraled because of press to perform well. She additionally was falling behind in school. “I really did not speak to anybody and also lastly I broke, had a self-destruction attempt, and wound up in hospital. It was essentially two months prior to the video games as well as I had a decision to make to see whether I was solid sufficient to make it.” Deja went and also persevered on to win two gold medals. Asking for aid, she claimed, was the very first step to recuperation.

That willpower was checked once more when she got into a major auto accident the following year. “I felt like, here we go once more,” Deja informed teamusa.org. “I needed to begin at fresh start, and also I felt defeated. I seemed like there was no end … I had a choice once more, to see if I wished to sulk and also not run, or come back.” Much like she did at Rio, she pulled via and also won 2 golds at the 2017 World Championships.

3 years after her suicide attempt, Deja claimed she still battles with her mental health and wellness however that sports assists, despite the fact that that’s where a lot of the stress originates from. “I’m still battling. I’m really nervous, very worried, but it’s OK since the mind is so effective,” she told The National.

Deja, who majored in social work at Wichita State University, where she was on a full track scholarship, informed teamusa.org that she wishes to make a distinction by sharing her story. The 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo are her goal, but a lot more significantly, “if I can make an impact, save a life with my story of self-destruction … that will certainly make me pleased.” Ahead, take a look at images from the champions, the moment she secured gold, along with a few of her previous winning efficiencies. We’re with you, Deja, and also we can’t wait to see what’s in store for you next!

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