There is often a question of whether it is better to have sports specifically for people with disabilities or to include people with disabilities in sports with others who do not have disabilities.

I’m not sure there is a “right” or “best” answer that should be applied across the board. I think there are many things that need to be considered when determining what is best for any individual. From my perspective, I feel like both options should be available to everyone…and that the decision of which is “better” should be made by the individual with the disability and not by anyone telling them what they should or shouldn’t do. All I really know is that it’s no simple debate – there’s no one easy answer – and there’s good reasons for wanting to be (or not wanting to be) in either setting. What are your thoughts?

Below are the stories of a few different athletes with disabilities – one who has decided to compete against those who do not have a disability, one who decided to compete against others with disabilities, and one who does both.

1. Anthony Robles – NCAA Division 1 wrestler for Arizona State University
2. Mark Zupan – wheelchair rugby player
3. Oscar Pisotrius – elite runner – competes in both Olympic and Paralympic level competition