Autumn Fought keeps on fighting, Cisco teen returns from Paris 2024 Paralympic trials

CISCO, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) — At just 14 years old, Autumn Fought of Cisco is a person you might want to keep an eye on. Just last Monday, she returned from Florida, where she competed with the nation’s best para-athletes in hopes of joining the Paris 2024 U.S. Paralymp ic team. Though she did not make it this year, it’s only her first go at the circuit. Her parents, coach, and friends agree that it won’t be long before her name is called.

“It’s been really good. I feel like I’ve improved a lot since last year,” Fought told KTAB/KRBC.

As of now, last year is the only true metric Fought can measure herself by. Her mother, Brandi Fought, said it was just two years ago that she found her love for track and field. Having tried many other sports, it wasn’t until she strapped herself into a racing chair that she knew what she was really passionate about.

“It was almost instantaneous that you could see, oh yeah, that’s where she belongs… We knew she was athletic really early on. The first time she was ever in a wheelchair, she did wheelies down our ramp just immediately on the first day,” said mother Brandi Fought.

After winning eight medals at the national meet, four of them for first place, Fought and her mother left straight for the trials, Fought’s first time competing in the Paralympic realm.

“It’s more competitive. All of these other athletes are the top best,” said Fought.

This 14-year-old phenom is holding her own against current and future Paralympians. The nerves, she says, disappeared once she made her way to the starting line.

“Once I started racing, it just kind of left my mind,” Fought recalled.

“We didn’t realize until she was among athletes at her level that she was fast. She was coming out with silver, gold, and bronze medals last year. This year, she just went even further,” said Brandi.

Competing in the 100, 400, 800, and 1500 at the Paralympic trials, Fought said she felt pushed to race faster than she ever had before. While she did not make the team, she did set personal bests in multiple events. Her time on th e 100 meters put her just two places behind Tatyana McFadden , a 35-year-old twenty medals holding Paralympic athlete.

“It was like she hit a different speed. She is used to medaling in everything. But at this point, she had to work so hard just to keep up, and you saw that light turn on,” Brandi said.

Fought’s coach, Former Mexican Paralympic athlete Saul Mendoza, said her performance was right in line with his expectations of her from the first time he saw her race.

“She did amazing. I think a lot of people put their eyes on her… She’s very strong physically and mentally. It’s very natural for her. I just see that hunger inside of her,” said Mendoza.

That hunger is only half of the equation, according to Mendoza. But given her drive and what she has already achieved, he feels she will have no problem filling out the rest of the formula.

“It was such a surreal experience to see your 14-year-old racing with top athletes, knowing that, I mean, the expectation is that in four years, Autumn’s name is going to be called on that list of paralympic teams,” Brandi said.

Fought said after competing among some of the biggest names in the field, she has her sights set squarely on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

“It feels good to come back home and rest, but I’m just excited to start going back to the track again,” said Fought.

Fought shared she is looking forward to the year ahead and anticipating participation in the upcoming state track meet. All of her training, study, and competition are fueling her drive for the four-year road ahead.

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