‘It’s going to be tough’ Russellville native preparing to compete in 2024 Paralympic Games

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – A Natural State native will be representing the United States on the national stage at the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games.

Kaitlin Bounds from Russellville will be competing with the USA track and field team as a long-distance runner.

She was diagnosed with autism at 4 years old and will compete in the Paralympics for the first time in her running career.

Kaitlin’s mom, Kathy Bounds, said it was Kaitlin’s life goal to be a Paralympian. Now, Kaitlin expects the competition in Paris to be tough.

“It’s going to be tough. There’s some stiff competition,” she said. “There are girls in their 30s and 40s that are going to be competing in my level. So it’s going to be challenging.”

Training has intensified, with only one off day a week. Kathy described the training for the Paralympics as harder, more intense, and even brutal.

Kaitlin’s former track coach said he’s not surprised she’s made the Paralympic team after seeing the way she trains. To him, her autism has only pushed her further.

“I almost see it as a superpower,” Rick Correia said. “Like, she doesn’t know how to give up.”

Kaitlin will be the first Arkansan ever to compete in the Paralympics track and field team.

The 2024 Summer Paralympic Games will begin on Aug. 28 and end on Sept. 8.

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