On the Path2Paris
From Dare2tri to the World Stage
Dare2tri proudly serves athletes at every level, from beginners to elite competitors. While many of our participants are everyday athletes who enjoy swimming, biking, and running for recreation and fitness, there are some that rise to the pinnacle of competition. Heading to the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris are 10 extraordinary athletes, many of whom began their sporting journey with Dare2tri.
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Melissa Stockwell
Co-Founder • Elite Team Since 2011 • Army Veteran
A U.S. Army veteran, Melissa lost her left leg while serving in Iraq in 2004. After recovery, she turned her focus to athletics, making an impressive transition to competitive sports. Melissa is a three-time Paralympian, having competed in swimming at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and in triathlon at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Her connection to Dare2tri is profound, as she co-founded the organization in 2011 with her friends Keri Serota and Dan Tun.
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Howie Sanborn
Elite Team Since 2011 • Army Veteran
Howie served for 15 years as an Airborne Ranger and a demonstrator on the U.S. Army Parachute Team, The Golden Knights. During his military career, he began competing in triathlons. His journey took a dramatic turn when he suffered a spinal cord injury after being struck by a distracted driver during a training ride. Dare2tri played a crucial role in Howie’s recovery and athletic journey, helping him transition from a triathlete to a paratriathlete. He will make his Paralympic debut in Paris.
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Emelia Perry
Elite Team Since 2023
Before her spinal cord injury in 2017, Emelia was an avid runner. Undeterred by her injury, she started competing in wheelchair racing and triathlon in 2022. Her rapid progress in the sport was highlighted when she won the 2023 USA Paratriathlon National Championship in the Women’s PTWC division. Emelia’s journey with Dare2tri has been transformative, helping her reach new heights in her athletic career. She will make her Paralympic debut in Paris.
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Owen Cravens
Development & Elite Team (2017-2021)
Owen, who has a degenerative eye condition known as Stargardt Disease, first got involved with Dare2tri at Kids Tri Camp in 2016. He fell in love with triathlon instantly, and a year later joined the Dare2tri Jr. Development Team, eventually progressing to the Elite Team. Now he’s a part of USA Triathlon’s elite development squad, Project Podium. He will make his Paralympic debut in Paris.
Jack O’Neil
Development & Elite Team (2017-2020)
At age 9, Jack’s leg was electively amputated to improve his quality of life. He joined Dare2tri a few years later, diving into the world of triathlon under the mentorship of Melissa Stockwell. Jack progressed from the Dare2tri Jr. Development Team to the Elite Team and is now a swimmer at the University of Wyoming. He will make his Paralympic debut in Paris.
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Kendall Gretsch
Elite Team (2014-2019)
Kendall is a Paralympic triathlete and cross-country skier who has achieved remarkable success in both sports. Born with spina bifida, Kendall discovered her passion for triathlon after joining Dare2tri during her sophomore year in college. She is a six-time Paralympic medalist and the reigning gold medalist in women’s PTWC Paralympic triathlon. Her thrilling finish during the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics remains one of the most memorable moments in the sport.
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Ahalya Lettenberger
Development & Elite Team (2017-2019)
Born with arthrogryposis amyoplasia, a muscular skeletal disorder that affects her lower limbs, Ahalya found a community and support system in Dare2tri. She progressed from the Dare2tri Jr. Development Team to the Elite Team, honing her skills in triathlon before turning her focus to swimming. She is the reigning silver medalist in the women’s SM7 200m Individual Medley.
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Hailey Danz
Elite Team (2011-2017)
At age 12, Hailey was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her left leg. Following a year of chemotherapy and several surgeries, she chose to have her leg amputated. Her introduction to triathlon came through Dare2tri, where she competed in her first race despite having no prior experience in swimming, biking, or running. By 2013, Haily earned an ITU Paratriathlon world title, and in 2015, she was named the USA Triathlon Paratriathlete of the Year. She is a two-time Paralympic medalist and the reigning silver medalist in women’s PTS2 Paralympic triathlon.
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Grace Norman
Elite Team (2014-2017)
Born with a lower limb deficiency, Grace began competing in triathlons at a young age and joined the Dare2tri Elite Team in 2014, quickly rising to prominence in the Paralympic circuit. She’s a three-time Paralympic medalist and the reigning silver medalist in women’s PTS4 Paralympic triathlon.
Rachel Watts
2x Train2Race Camp Participant (2022-2023)
After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Rachel discovered paratriathlon and never looked back. In back to back years, she attended our Train2Race Camp to learn the ins and outs of the sport. She placed 2nd at both the 2024 Americas Triathlon Para Championships Miami and World Triathlon Para Series Yokohama.
When & Where to Watch
Paratriathlon
Watch live on Peacock
September 1 (Central Time listings)
Howie Sanborn (PTWC) – 1:15 a.m.
Kendall Gretsch (PTWC) – 1:20 a.m.
Emi Perry (PTWC) – 1:20 a.m.
Melissa Stockwell (PTS2) – 2:35 a.m.
Hailey Danz (PTS2) – 2:35 a.m.
Owen Cravens (PTVI) – 5 a.m.
Grace Norman (PTS5) – 5:35 a.m.
Rachel Watts (PTS4) – 5:40 a.m.
Swimming
Watch live on Peacock
August 31 – 3:04 a.m. Central Time
Jack O’Neil (100m Backstroke – S8 Heats)
September 1 – 10:37 a.m. Central Time
Ahalya Lettenberger (100m Breaststroke – SB6 Final)
September 2 – 2:45 a.m. Central Time
Ahalya Lettenberger (400m Freestyle – S7 Heats)
Join us for Victory Lap
This year, our annual Victory Lap fundraiser follows hot on the heels of the 2024 Paralympic Games! Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 10, and plan to join us at the Old Post Office for a festive evening celebrating the community and accomplishments of Dare2tri athletes.
With your support, we can inspire the next generation of paratriathletes. All proceeds from this event will go toward providing programs, resources, equipment, and funding for athletes with disabilities at every level from recreational to elite.
