Preparing for the Paris Trials: Insights from Paralympic Medalist Jamal Hill

As the anticipation builds for Paris 2024, many are curious about my mindset and feelings heading into these monumental games. Let me share a bit about what this journey has been like so far.

First and foremost, Paris 2024 is shaping up to be an experience unlike any I've had before. My first Paralympic Games took place amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the stadiums were eerily quiet, the lively atmosphere of the village was replaced with strict quarantines, masks, and plastic barriers. It was a surreal and challenging experience, lacking the usual roar of the crowd and the energetic buzz of fellow athletes.

This time around, I'm entering the games from a different place in my career. I've stood on the podium, collaborated with some of the world's largest companies, and broken more records in a single year than many do in their entire careers. However, this journey has taught me that the drive and hunger I once had needed to evolve. Some of the goals I once fantasized about have been achieved, and I've had to reassess my motivations.

To keep the fire burning, I've had to find a new, more sustainable fuel source—like transitioning from fossil fuels to green energy. This has meant stacking layers of motivation and focus to maintain that sense of hunger and drive.

One of the most exciting aspects of Paris 2024 is knowing that my whole family will be there to support me. Their presence will undoubtedly be a tremendous source of inspiration. On a day-to-day basis, I've been training with an intense focus, aided by the power of music. My playlists, which I fondly refer to as "gangster blues," bring a certain tinge of aggression and energy that fuels my power workouts.

A significant game-changer in my training has been the use of H20 Audio headphones. I've never had an experience quite like this—being able to hear my jams throughout the entire training session, even underwater, makes a huge difference. It's a stark contrast to only hearing music when you pop your head out of the water. This continuous flow of music keeps me pumped and focused during my workouts.

Additionally, I've been working on my mental game, not just through performance training but also through therapy, coaching, and mental exercises. This constant quest for deeper motivation has been essential in preparing for these games. Visualizing the perfect race and digging into the deeper "why" behind my goals have been crucial components of my preparation.

As I head into Paris 2024, I invite everyone to tune in and witness the culmination of this journey. It's going to be an event you won't want to miss. See it for yourself and be part of this incredible experience.

Stay tuned, stay inspired, and let's make history together in Paris.

~  Jamal Hill