EZRA FRECH: "I Was Put on This Earth to Change the Way We See Disability"
In this episode of On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech shares his journey from childhood limb deficiency to athletic excellence and disability advocacy. Frech discusses how his parents fostered confidence and self-acceptance, teaching him to embrace his differences rather than hide them. He details his path to winning gold medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, including his mental preparation techniques, rigorous training regimen, and philosophy on reframing pressure as opportunity.
Beyond athletics, Frech addresses the broader issue of disability representation, noting that physical disabilities affect 15-20% of the global population yet remain largely invisible in mainstream culture. He explains his work with Angel City Sports, his participation in Dancing With the Stars to normalize disability in entertainment, and his vision for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics as a moment to shift public perception. Throughout, Frech emphasizes that his advocacy isn't about seeking pity, but about demonstrating what people with disabilities can achieve when given opportunities.
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1-Page Summary
Family Foundation and Personal Development
Ezra Frech's parents embraced his limb deficiency at birth as a source of purpose, expanding their advocacy work to include championing abandoned children with disabilities globally. His mother encouraged him to confidently embrace his differences, teaching him to enter every room with pride and never hide who he is. Rather than meeting others' expectations, his parents stressed that Ezra should pursue his own potential and reach his own limits.
Sports became central to building Ezra's confidence—his first word was "ball," and despite his disability, he excelled at basketball alongside his peers. Playing sports reinforced that his disability didn't define or restrict him. However, self-acceptance was a journey rather than a single moment. While Ezra accepted his prosthetic leg early on, viewing it as cool technology, he struggled with his left hand for years, hiding it through middle school after hurtful comments from classmates. Over time, relationships and his parents' influence helped him overcome this reluctance, eventually leading him to proudly perform left-handed choreography on Dancing With the Stars.
Athletic Excellence and Paralympic Achievement
At eleven, watching the 2016 Paralympics, Ezra committed to becoming a track and field Paralympian. Despite being unranked and needing to improve his high jump by two feet just to qualify for nationals, he dedicated himself completely to the goal. Through self-coaching, YouTube videos, and eventually finding a proper team, Ezra joined the national team at fourteen—the youngest member—validating his sacrifice.
At sixteen in Tokyo, Ezra came heartbreakingly close to bronze when his running blade skimmed the bar. After the race, he stayed on the rain-soaked track watching the medalists' podium photo and vowed never to walk away from a major championship without a medal. This failure fueled an unshakeable resolve to stay undefeated through the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
In Paris, ranked seventh in the 100-meter sprint, Ezra experienced flow state during the race, internally coaching himself while 60,000 fans roared. He won gold, then enforced a 24-hour communication blackout before his main event to maintain focus. Years of visualization and meditation paid off as the high jump competition unfolded exactly as he had mentally rehearsed countless times.
Ezra's training regime was meticulously structured: 10-12 hours of sleep nightly, meditation, visualization, track time, weightlifting, and extensive recovery including massages, hyperbaric chambers, and red light therapy. As an amputee, his right leg bears stress equivalent to a 42-year-old's, requiring careful management. Ezra emphasizes that his edge over competitors comes from what happens off the track—recovery, mental preparation, and getting 1% better each day.
Mental Performance and Elite Mindset
Ezra redefines pressure as "fairy dust" that only exists when acknowledged, framing high-stakes moments as opportunities to fulfill his purpose rather than sources of stress. He refuses to use words like "pressure," "nerves," or "fear," believing that naming these emotions increases the likelihood of negative physiological responses.
His preparation for Paris involved years of detailed manifestation and visualization. Despite concerns from others, Ezra vocalized his goal openly in every interview and conducted a one hundred-day video countdown promising victory. Each morning, he would meditate and walk through every sensory detail of competition—the high jump pit's location, mat color, the crowd's faces, his uniform—allowing him to emotionally experience victory in his mind. These "mental reps" were as valuable as physical training.
During his 100-meter race, Ezra achieved flow state by maintaining presence and giving himself specific instructions while running at near-maximum effort. This mastery is the result of years dedicated to meditation and removing distractions. He acknowledges that intrusive thoughts still occur, but his practice allows him to let them pass without being derailed.
Ezra defines confidence as trust built with himself through unwavering commitment. He's pledged to eliminate added sugar and alcohol until after the 2028 Paralympics—not just for physical benefits, but to reinforce promise-keeping to himself. He believes that "words are spells" and that stacking small wins and honoring commitments builds a resilient inner relationship.
Disability Representation and Advocacy
Ezra highlights that physical disability affects 15–20% of the global population—about a billion people worldwide—yet remains largely invisible in mainstream representation. Disability uniquely transcends all ages, races, genders, and socioeconomic statuses, as most people acquire disabilities later in life. Unless someone has a friend or family member with a disability, they likely have little understanding of the barriers this community faces.
Social discomfort and fear about disability reinforces stigma and marginalization. Misconceptions persist internationally, and even in America, people with disabilities are bullied at higher rates and have fewer opportunities. Ezra insists on the vital role of open, well-intentioned conversation to break down these barriers.
He sees sport as a powerful cultural force to transform perceptions, citing historical moments like Jackie Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier. The upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics offers a pivotal moment for America to shift understanding of disability through sport's spectacle and cultural resonance. Watching adapted sports challenges ingrained assumptions about what people with disabilities can achieve.
Ezra is clear that disabled people should be valued for their individual achievements, not pitied or lauded simply for existing with a disability. He rejects "pity points," preferring recognition for determination and achievement. He urges society to drop the belief that disabled people are inherently less capable.
More than a decade ago, Ezra and his family founded Angel City Sports after recognizing a lack of adaptive sports opportunities in Southern California. The organization now provides year-round sporting programs, equipment, and competitive events for people of all ages and disability types, fostering community and leveraging sport's transformative power.
Expanding Impact Beyond Sports
Ezra accepted the invitation to Dancing With the Stars to normalize disability in mainstream entertainment. He views disability representation as the "last frontier" and makes it his mission to accelerate progress. Although he had no prior dance experience, he adapted choreography for his prosthetic leg and hand difference, deliberately highlighting his left hand to empower children with hand differences.
The representation has profound ripple effects. Parents reach out expressing how seeing Ezra's left hand featured onscreen is life-changing for their children, encouraging them to embrace their own beauty. Videos show young viewers with disabilities celebrating his performances, jumping with excitement. To Ezra, these moments underscore the seriousness of his work—while it may look like dancing and having fun, the impact is lasting.
The support from the Dancing With the Stars community has been overwhelming, with Ezra forging deep friendships and describing the environment as full of love and acceptance. He credits former contestants, including previous disabled participants, with paving the way for him.
Looking to 2028, Ezra sees the Los Angeles Paralympics as a "golden opportunity" to shift public perception of disability. He's clear that this mission is lifelong—he doesn't experience advocacy as pressure, but as an honor and his life's purpose. By combining excellence in sport, television performance, and passionate advocacy, Ezra creates pathways for disability to be normalized and celebrated in mainstream culture, believing every moment in the spotlight accelerates inclusion and acceptance.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- While Ezra's story is inspiring, not all individuals with disabilities have access to the same resources, supportive family environment, or opportunities for elite sports and media exposure, which can limit the applicability of his experience as a universal model.
- The emphasis on individual achievement and overcoming adversity may unintentionally reinforce the "supercrip" stereotype, which can place unrealistic expectations on disabled people to constantly excel or inspire.
- Focusing on sports and high-profile achievements as primary vehicles for disability representation may overshadow the importance of advocating for systemic changes in accessibility, employment, and everyday inclusion for the broader disabled community.
- The idea that avoiding words like "pressure," "nerves," or "fear" can prevent negative physiological responses is not universally supported by psychological research; some approaches advocate for acknowledging and processing these emotions rather than suppressing them.
- While Ezra rejects "pity points," some critics argue that society must still address and acknowledge the real barriers and discrimination faced by disabled people, rather than focusing solely on individual success stories.
- The narrative centers on visible physical disabilities, which may inadvertently marginalize or overlook the experiences of people with invisible disabilities or those whose disabilities do not lend themselves to public performance or athletic achievement.
- The focus on normalization through mainstream entertainment and sports may not resonate with all disabled individuals, some of whom may prefer advocacy that centers on rights, accessibility, and social justice rather than representation in popular culture.
Actionables
- you can start a weekly habit of intentionally seeking out and sharing positive stories or achievements of disabled individuals in your social circles or online, focusing on their skills and contributions rather than their disabilities, to help normalize disability and shift perceptions away from pity or tokenism
- By regularly highlighting real accomplishments—like a colleague’s creative project, a local athlete’s performance, or an artist’s exhibition—you help others see disabled people as multifaceted individuals. For example, you might post a short write-up about a disabled entrepreneur’s business success on your social media, or mention a disabled musician’s new album in a group chat, always centering their work and impact.
- a practical way to reduce discomfort and stigma is to practice asking open, respectful questions when you meet someone with a visible or invisible disability, focusing on their interests or experiences rather than their disability
- For instance, if you meet someone at a gathering who uses a wheelchair, you might ask about their favorite hobbies or recent travels, just as you would with anyone else. If disability comes up, you can ask, “Is there anything you’d like to share about your experience?” rather than making assumptions or avoiding the topic.
- you can create a personal “representation audit” by reviewing the media, books, and entertainment you consume each month and intentionally adding works that feature disabled people in leading, complex roles
- For example, after noticing a lack of disabled characters in your favorite shows or books, you might add a novel with a disabled protagonist to your reading list or watch a film where disability is part of the character’s identity but not the sole focus. This helps broaden your perspective and supports more inclusive representation.
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Family Foundation and Personal Development
Parental Philosophy of Limitless Potential
Ezra Frech’s parents receive the news of his limb deficiency at birth as a source of purpose rather than just a diagnosis. Despite the shock and uncertainty in the delivery room, they quickly decide to embrace Ezra's unique differences. A pivotal moment comes when his mother, reading about abandoned children with disabilities in China, recognizes the global fear and lack of advocacy surrounding disability. His family, already involved in environmental advocacy, then expand their mission to include championing abandoned children with disabilities, both in China and throughout the global disability community. This becomes a foundational value within their household.
Ezra's Parents Viewed His Limb Deficiency As Inspiration, Advocating For Abandoned Children With Disabilities in China and the Global Disability Community
Ezra grows up surrounded by purpose, as his family supports not only him but also advocates for others with differences worldwide. They ensure his home is filled with confidence, a sense of mission, and the determination to serve those without advocates.
His Mother Encouraged Ezra to Confidently Embrace His Differences
Ezra’s mother instills in him a deep confidence in his uniqueness from an early age. She encourages him to enter every room with his chin up, chest out, and to look people in the eye. She reframes public stares at his prosthetic as normal curiosity, telling him to lean into his disability and to proudly wear shorts, never hiding who he is. She often reminds Ezra that everyone is different in some way, and his difference just happens to be physical.
Ezra's Parents Stressed Reaching His Own Limits, Not Others' Expectations
A letter from his parents emphasizes that every child has unique obstacles and that their goal for Ezra is not to meet anyone else’s expectations but to pursue his own potential. They strive to fill him with self-confidence, encourage him to own his differences, and ensure that he’s supported in chasing his own limits, not those set by others.
The Role of Sport In Building Confidence
Ezra's Parents Defy Assumptions, Fostering His Passion For Basketball Despite Disability
Ezra’s family never treats his disability as a limitation. Instead, they encourage him to pursue every interest—and he falls in love with sports. Basketball becomes a particular joy, and his parents defy expectations by embracing his passion for it.
First Word "Ball" Showed Early Sports Passion
Ezra’s first word is "ball," reflecting his deep-rooted love for sports from infancy. He becomes a diehard Lakers fan, learning to count by twos from watching basketball games, and sports naturally become his escape and joy.
Sports With Peers Prove Ezra's Disability Doesn't Limit His Abilities
Playing basketball and other sports with his peers, Ezra finds that his abilities as an amputee allow him to keep up and excel. Sport not only gives him a sense of belonging but reinforces that his disability does not define or restrict his potential. His connection with Pau Gasol, whom he meets as a child and who becomes an ongoing mentor and friend, provides further affirmation and encour ...
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Counterarguments
- While Ezra’s parents’ approach is empowering, some might argue that framing a child’s disability as a source of family purpose could unintentionally place undue pressure on the child to be an inspiration or advocate.
- Expanding advocacy to a global scale, such as championing abandoned children with disabilities in China, may risk overlooking the complexities and cultural sensitivities involved in international disability advocacy.
- Emphasizing confidence and pride in difference is positive, but it may not fully acknowledge the validity of feelings like frustration, sadness, or the desire for privacy that some individuals with disabilities experience.
- The narrative focuses on overcoming and excelling, which could inadvertently reinforce the “supercrip” stereotype, where people with disabilities are celebrated mainly for extraordinary achievements rather than for their inherent worth.
- Encouraging pursuit of all interests regardless of disability is admirable, but it may not account for the real physical, social, or systemic barriers that some children with disabilities face, which can limit opportunities despite encouragement.
- Highlighting mentorship from a celebrity like Pau Gasol is inspiring, but not ...
Actionables
- you can reframe a personal challenge or difference as a unique strength by writing a short story or comic where your difference is the hero’s superpower, then share it with a trusted friend or family member to spark a positive conversation about uniqueness
- (for example, if you have a visible scar, imagine it as a mark of courage in your story, and discuss how it shapes your perspective or actions in daily life)
- a practical way to support others who may feel overlooked is to send an anonymous note of encouragement to someone in your community who seems isolated or different, highlighting something you genuinely admire about them
- (for instance, leave a kind note in a neighbor’s mailbox or on a colleague’s desk, focusing on their resilience, creativity, or another positive trait)
- you can practice embracing curiosity about your own differences by ...
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Athletic Excellence and Paralympic Achievement
Ezra Frech’s journey from an inspired eleven-year-old to double gold medalist in Paris 2024 is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and relentless dedication. His story unfolds across years of sacrifice, overcoming setbacks, and pioneering new heights in Paralympic sport.
The Four-Year Journey to Tokyo 2016
At Eleven, Inspired by 2016 Paralympics, Ezra Committed To Becoming a Track and Field Paralympian
At just eleven, Ezra Frech finds inspiration on his living room couch while watching the Rio 2016 Paralympics. The power of representation strikes him like destiny: "I had this moment where it was like the universe was telling me, this is your calling." With newfound clarity, Ezra decides to give up all other sports and declares to everyone—family and friends—that he will make the Tokyo Paralympics. The odds are daunting: unranked and lacking a coach, but Ezra builds a support team, sacrifices his previous pursuits, and embarks on a relentless pursuit of his new dream.
Ezra Needs Two-foot Jump Improvement to Qualify For Nationals
Realizing the magnitude of his goal, Ezra calculates that he needs to improve his high jump by two feet just to qualify for nationals—an enormous leap. Fueled by determination, he starts by self-coaching, watching YouTube videos, and improvising with makeshift backyard training equipment, waking early to train before school and convincing his parents to let him use the track daily.
Ezra Joined the National Team At Fourteen, Becoming the Youngest Member and Validating His Sacrifice For an Improbable Dream
After months of chaotic self-training, Ezra finds a proper coach and pulls together a strong team. The breakthrough comes in 2019, after four unsuccessful attempts to qualify at track meets. At his own nonprofit’s meet, Ezra finally clears the required height and makes the national team at the age of fourteen—by far the youngest member. This achievement validates all he has sacrificed and turns the unlikely dream of reaching the Paralympics into a tangible reality.
Tokyo Performance and the Catalyst For Excellence
Ezra, 16, Tokyo: Fifth in High Jump Final After Running Blade Skims Bronze Bar
By the Tokyo Paralympics, Ezra is just sixteen, competing against seasoned athletes nearly a decade older. In the high jump final, he comes heartbreakingly close to the podium: as he jumps for bronze, his running blade barely skims the bar, which falls, dashing his medal hopes. Rising prematurely to celebrate, he is devastated to realize the attempt failed—feeling he let down family, friends, and country.
Ezra's Rainy Podium Photo Vow
After the event, Ezra stays on the rain-soaked track and, in a moment of reflection, watches the medalists take their iconic podium photograph. He resolves then and there: "Never again will I walk away from a major championships without a medal until the day I retire." This vow becomes his driving force. He later sets a lock screen of the winner’s photo with the words "never again," using each setback to fuel his ambitious climb. Failures are added to this collage on his phone, transforming regret into relentless motivation.
Failure Fuels Ezra's Unshakeable Resolve to Win World Title, Stay Undefeated Through Paris 2024 Paralympics
Ezra leans into the pain and beauty of sport’s scarcity: "We train four years, that 100 meter race is 11 seconds. I get one shot." These finite opportunities deepen his appreciation for every moment and motivate him to seek a world title. Guided by Roosevelt’s "Man in the Arena" quote, Ezra trains not just for physical improvement but to build the mental presence necessary for flow state—vowing never to be a bystander in the most critical moments of his life or sport.
Paris 2024 Double Gold and Peak Performance
Ezra, Ranked Seventh, Won Gold In the 100-meter Sprint, Experiencing Flow While Giving Himself Mid-race Instructions
In Paris, Ezra enters the 100-meter sprint ranked seventh, not even an expected medal contender. During the final, he experiences a heightened sense of flow: as the race unfolds, he internally coaches himself—reassuring, instructing, and monitoring his form even as the stadium shakes with the roar of 60,000 fans. The finish is a close battle; he times his final lean perfectly, then waits in suspense as results appear on the screen. When his name flashes first, he erupts in disbelief and joy: he is the champion.
Victory Forced a 24-hour Communication Blackout Before Ezra's Primary Event to Maintain Focus
The gold brings an emotional high and an outpouring of support, but within 24 hours, Ezra must reset for his main event, the high jump. On his coach’s orders, he retreats from celebrations and media, enforcing a communication blackout to preserve his focus and mental energy for the next challenge.
Ezra Fulfilled His Long-Held Visualization and Meditation By Winn ...
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Athletic Excellence and Paralympic Achievement
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Counterarguments
- While Ezra’s story emphasizes individual determination and sacrifice, it may understate the role of access to resources, family support, and financial means, which are not available to all aspiring athletes.
- The narrative focuses heavily on personal responsibility for both success and failure, which could overlook the impact of systemic barriers, coaching quality, or institutional support in elite sports.
- Prioritizing recovery and mental preparation over practice hours may not be universally effective; different athletes may require different training balances to achieve peak performance.
- The portrayal of relentless self-improvement and never settling for less than a medal could contribute to unhealthy perfectionism or pressure, which may not be sustainable or advisable for all athletes.
- The emphasis on visualizati ...
Actionables
- you can create a personal “sacrifice tracker” to log and reflect on what you’re willing to give up for a big goal, helping you clarify priorities and recognize your commitment over time; for example, list activities, habits, or distractions you choose to pause or reduce, and review the tracker weekly to see how these choices support your progress.
- a practical way to turn setbacks into motivation is to set up a “regret-to-action” journal, where after any disappointment, you write down what happened, how it made you feel, and one small, immediate action you’ll take to move forward; for instance, after missing a target, jot down your feelings and commit to a 10-minute improvement task that same day.
- you can design a “focus window” rout ...
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Mental Performance and Elite Mindset
Redefining Pressure As Opportunity
Ezra Frech rejects the traditional notion of pressure, describing it as “fairy dust” that only exists when acknowledged. He draws inspiration from the idea that labeling a situation as pressure convinces the mind it is a negative experience. Instead, he frames high-stakes moments as opportunities to fulfill his purpose. Competing at the Paralympics, which is within his comfort zone due to his background in track and field, and dancing live on television with no prior dance experience are equally approached as exciting challenges. Ezra refuses to use words like “pressure,” “nerves,” or “fear,” as naming these emotions increases the likelihood of experiencing negative physiological responses. He insists on keeping joy and positivity at the forefront before any competition. For Ezra, even the honor of high expectations and representing a community is uplifting and motivating, rather than daunting or stressful.
Manifestation Through Detailed Visualization
Ezra’s preparation for the Paris Paralympics was marked by years of detailed manifestation and visualization. He frequently vocalized his goal of winning Paralympic gold, stating it openly in every interview, on social media, and even conducting a one hundred-day video countdown promising victory. Despite concerns from others that this would build too much pressure, Ezra found that vocalizing and visualizing his goal strengthened his commitment, compelling him to believe in his own capability.
He rigorously practiced mental visualization daily as part of familiarizing his nervous system with high-stakes performance. Each morning, Ezra would meditate and walk through every sensory detail of competition — the high jump pit’s location, mat color, the crowd’s faces, his uniform, the weather, and even competitors’ appearances — allowing him to emotionally and physically experience victory in his mind, sometimes to the point of tears. This mental rehearsal trained his body and mind for real-life competition, making the extraordinary moment of winning feel familiar. Ezra refers to these visualizations as “mental reps,” emphasizing their value alongside physical training. Whether in transit or before a meeting, he constantly rehearses his performance, distinguishing himself from competitors who leave their training on the track.
Self-Talk and Flow State Mastery
Ezra’s mastery of internal dialogue is pivotal to his elite mindset. During his 100-meter race, he achieved a flow state, maintaining presence and control by giving himself specific instructions like “Stay relaxed, you’re in a good position, stroke the arms,” while running at near-maximum effort. This elite self-talk is the result of years dedicated to meditation and the removal of distractions, building mental skills just as rigorously as physical strength.
Meditation helps Ezra observe thoughts without judgment, letting doubt and fear pass without being derailed by them. He acknowledges that intrusive or negative thoughts do still occur, but his extensive practice allows him to let these thoughts pass and maintain focus. For Ezra, flow state is about being completely p ...
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Mental Performance and Elite Mindset
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Counterarguments
- While reframing pressure as opportunity can be empowering for some, acknowledging and addressing pressure directly may help others develop coping strategies and resilience.
- Avoiding words like “pressure,” “nerves,” or “fear” may not work for everyone; some psychological approaches encourage naming and accepting emotions to reduce their negative impact.
- The effectiveness of visualization and manifestation varies among individuals; not all athletes or performers benefit equally from these techniques.
- Overemphasis on positive self-talk and avoidance of negative emotions could lead to suppression rather than healthy processing of stress or setbacks.
- Confidence can also be influenced by external validation, support systems, and past experiences, not solely by self-commitment and internal dialogue.
- The belief that “words are spells” and that vocalizing goals guarantees success may ...
Actionables
- you can create a personal “challenge swap” list by reframing any upcoming high-pressure event as an exciting opportunity, then writing down one positive outcome you could gain from it and reading this list before each event to shift your mindset toward anticipation and growth rather than stress.
- a practical way to reinforce self-trust is to set a daily micro-commitment, like drinking a glass of water upon waking or sending a kind message to someone, and track your consistency on a calendar or app to visually see your reliability build over time.
- you can design a “flow trigger” card ...
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Disability Representation and Advocacy
The Vastness and Invisibility of Disability
Ezra Frech highlights that physical disability affects a staggering 15–20% of the global population—amounting to about a billion people worldwide and 50 million Americans. Despite these numbers, disability remains largely invisible in mainstream representation and public consciousness. Cognitive or intellectual impairments, comparatively, account for about 2–3% of the population.
Frech and Jay Shetty discuss how disability uniquely transcends all ages, races, genders, and socioeconomic statuses. Most people with disabilities acquire them later in life through disease, accidents, or aging, making disability a group anyone could join at any moment. Frech points out that unless someone has a friend or family member with a disability, they likely have little real understanding of the barriers and mindsets faced by this community.
A powerful factor in this invisibility is social discomfort and fear about disability. Frech suggests that many people remain silent out of a fear of saying the wrong thing, but this only reinforces the taboo and marginalization. Misconceptions persist internationally—disability is still viewed as a curse or a cause for pity in many places, and even in America, people with disabilities are bullied at higher rates, have less physical activity and employment opportunities, and experience more depression. Frech insists on the vital role of open, well-intentioned conversation to break down these barriers and normalize disability’s presence in society.
Breaking Stigma Through Sports Performance
Frech sees sport as a powerful cultural force to transform perceptions of disability, citing historical moments like Billie Jean King defeating Bobby Riggs in tennis or Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier. He believes that sports, especially adapted sports for disabled athletes, have a unique ability to impress and fascinate—making disability not just normalized but creatively intriguing and different. Watching adapted sports—like wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, or Paralympic track with running blades—has a profound impact precisely because it challenges ingrained assumptions about what people with disabilities can achieve.
The upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, Frech argues, offers a pivotal moment for America to shift the national and global understanding of disability through the spectacle and cultural resonance of sport. Frech notes that while people often confuse the Paralympics with the Special Olympics, the distinctions are important: the Paralympics is the pinnacle of competition for athletes with physical disabilities, with highly exclusive participation and a sophisticated system of sports-specific classifications to ensure fairness.
Frech emphasizes that seeing disabled athletes at the highest levels—broadcast widely and discussed openly—is critical. Social media, too, is a tool to normalize disability, with every like, view, or comment providing a chance to subtly shift perceptions toward greater acceptance.
Addressing Misconceptions About Disability
Frech is clear: disabled people should be valued for their individual achievements and character, not pitied or lauded simply for existing with a disability. Sharing personal experience, he describes unhelpful reactions rooted in ableism, such as being told that mediocrity is acceptable simply because of his disability. He rejects the idea of "pity points," preferring to be recognized for determination and achievement, not for overcoming supposed defects.
Frech urges society to drop the belief that disabled people are inherently less capable, emph ...
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Clarifications
- The Paralympics is an elite international competition for athletes with physical disabilities, focusing on high-performance sports with strict classification systems. The Special Olympics serves individuals with intellectual disabilities, emphasizing participation, personal growth, and inclusion rather than competition. Paralympic athletes often train and compete at professional levels, while Special Olympics athletes compete in a more recreational and developmental environment. Both promote empowerment but have distinct goals and participant criteria.
- Adapted sports are modified versions of traditional sports designed to accommodate athletes with disabilities. They often include rule changes, specialized equipment, or altered playing environments to ensure accessibility and fairness. Examples include sitting volleyball, goalball (for visually impaired athletes), and boccia (similar to bocce ball). These sports enable participation and competition regardless of physical or sensory limitations.
- In the Paralympics, athletes are grouped into classes based on the type and extent of their disabilities to ensure fair competition. These classifications consider how an impairment affects performance in each specific sport. This system prevents athletes with significantly different abilities from competing directly against each other. It is regularly reviewed to maintain fairness as medical and technological advances evolve.
- Ableism is discrimination or prejudice against people with disabilities, treating them as inferior or less capable. Ableist microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional actions or comments that demean or marginalize disabled individuals, like expressing surprise at their achievements or assuming they need help without asking. These behaviors reinforce negative stereotypes and contribute to social exclusion. Recognizing and challenging ableism helps create a more inclusive society.
- Billie Jean King’s 1973 tennis match against Bobby Riggs was a landmark event challenging gender inequality in sports. Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s racial segregation in 1947, becoming the first Black player in the modern era. Both moments symbolized overcoming deep social barriers and changing public attitudes. They serve as powerful examples of how sports can drive cultural and social progress.
- "Pity points" refer to undeserved sympathy or praise given to disabled people simply for existing with a disability. This mindset reduces individuals to their disability rather than recognizing their true abilities and achievements. It can be patronizing and reinforces stereotypes of helplessness. Avoiding "pity points" promotes respect and equality.
- Angel City Sports offers adaptive sports programs including wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, and track and field. They provide specialized equipment and coaching tailored to various disabilities. The organization hosts competitive events and training camps to develop athletic skills. T ...
Counterarguments
- While sports can be a powerful tool for changing perceptions, not all people with disabilities are interested in or able to participate in sports, so focusing heavily on athletic achievement may inadvertently marginalize those whose talents or interests lie elsewhere.
- The emphasis on visibility through media and sports may not address deeper systemic issues such as accessibility in education, healthcare, and employment, which require policy changes beyond representation.
- The narrative that people with disabilities possess exceptional creativity or problem-solving skills can unintentionally reinforce stereotypes or create unrealistic expectations, rather than recognizing the diversity of experiences within the disabled community.
- While open conversation is encouraged, some individuals with disabilities may prefer privacy or may not wish to be seen as representatives of their entire community, highlighting the importance of respecting individual preferences.
- The distinction between the Paralympics a ...
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Expanding Impact Beyond Sports
Ezra Frech describes his journey as an athlete and advocate, using his platform on Dancing With the Stars to normalize disability and inspire others. His experience highlights how representation in mainstream entertainment can drive cultural change and uplift entire communities.
Dancing With the Stars as Advocacy Platform
Ezra Accepted the Dancing With the Stars Invite to Normalize Disability in Mainstream Entertainment
Ezra Frech accepts the invitation to appear on Dancing With the Stars not only as a personal challenge but to advance the normalization of disability on mainstream television. For him, being visible on the screen is a way to show people with disabilities—especially children—that they are seen, that their differences can be celebrated, and that their stories matter. Ezra views disability representation as the “last frontier,” lagging behind other minority groups, and he makes it his mission to accelerate progress.
Ezra Finds Dancing Challenging, Adapting Choreography For His Prosthetic Leg and Hand Difference
Although Ezra has no prior dance experience, he embraces the challenge, learning new movements while adapting them for his prosthetic leg and hand difference. He and his dance partner frequently adjust choreography, finding what works and pushing themselves out of their comfort zones. Ezra describes the physical reality of dancing with a prosthesis—falling, bumping knees, learning to move smoothly with technology designed more for function than grace. Despite setbacks, he finds the journey rewarding, and every dance delivered resonates with viewers and creates opportunities for empathy.
Choreography Highlighted His Left Hand, Empowering Children With Hand Differences to Embrace Their Unique Beauty
Ezra’s routines consciously highlight his left hand, empowering children with hand differences. Social media clips show young viewers, like a girl missing fingers and a boy with a hand difference, feeling joy and validation as they see Ezra dance. Parents reach out to Ezra to express how seeing his left hand featured onscreen is life-changing for their children, encouraging them to embrace their own beauty.
Community Response and Ripple Effects
Ezra's Impact: Representation Validates and Inspires
The representation Ezra brings has ripple effects across the disability community and beyond. Kids with limb differences watch him dance, celebrate his visibility, and see possibilities for themselves. Ezra describes the honor and privilege of being on a prominent platform, knowing people with disabilities nationwide can turn on the television and see someone like them excelling and dancing with purpose. Every like, view, and comment on social media, he says, is someone seeing disability slightly more normalized, and on a large enough scale, that’s real change.
Video Highlights Impact of Representation on Children With Hand Differences
Ezra shares specific examples of children being moved by his participation—a girl whose father tells him how meaningful it was to see Ezra’s left hand highlighted in a dance, and a video of a young boy jumping on his bed in excitement while watching Ezra’s cha-cha performance. To Ezra, these moments underscore the seriousness of his work: while it may look like just dancing and having fun, the impact is profound and lasting.
Support From the Dancing With the Stars Community Has Been Massive, With Past Winners, Contestants With Disabilities, and the Cast and Crew Fostering Genuine Love and Acceptance, Amplifying the Show's Cultural Impact
Ezra is deeply moved by the overwhelming support from the Dancing With the Stars community. He forges deep friendships with his partner Daniella and other cast members, describing the environment as a “summer camp” full of love and acceptance. He credits former contestants, including previous winners and disabled participants like dancer Herdy, with pa ...
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Expanding Impact Beyond Sports
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Counterarguments
- While Ezra’s visibility on Dancing With the Stars is impactful, some may argue that true normalization of disability requires systemic changes in casting, production, and storytelling across all media, not just individual representation.
- Focusing on individual success stories like Ezra’s can risk overshadowing the broader challenges faced by people with disabilities, such as accessibility barriers, employment discrimination, and lack of representation in decision-making roles.
- Some critics might point out that highlighting “inspirational” narratives can unintentionally reinforce the idea that people with disabilities must achieve extraordinary feats to be valued or visible.
- The entertainment industry’s embrace of disability representation on high-profile shows may be seen by some as tokenistic if not accompanied by sustained, behind-the-scenes inclusion and opportunities for people with disabilities.
- While Ezra’s advocacy is celebrated, others in the disability community may prefer different approaches to representation, such as focusing on everyday experiences rather than public performance or competition.
- The impact of representation on mainstream television, while meaningful, may be limited if not paired with broader societal changes in policy, education, and accessibility.
- Some may argue that the ...
Actionables
- you can help normalize disability in everyday life by intentionally including people with visible and invisible disabilities in your social media posts, group photos, or stories, making sure their presence is highlighted in a positive, authentic way; for example, share a photo from a group outing and mention something unique and admirable about each person, including those with disabilities, to reinforce that everyone’s story matters.
- a practical way to support cultural change is to regularly recommend TV shows, movies, or books that feature authentic disability representation to your friends, family, or online followers, and briefly explain why you found the representation meaningful; this helps others discover and value diverse stories, even if they haven’t sought them out before.
- you can empower children and adults with disabilities in your com ...
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