Paralyzed by an Ex-Boyfriend, Otto Rises as Paralympian

Tracy Otto received shocking news while having lunch: she had qualified for the Paralympics, BBC reported. Her boyfriend, Ricky Riessle, surprised her with a hat and news cameras recorded her tearful reaction. Selected for the U.S. archery team, Otto will compete at Paris 2024 in mixed teams with Jason Tabansky and the W1 open individual competition. Reflecting from her home in Tampa, Otto recalls her transformative journey from being on her deathbed to aspiring Paralympian.

In October 2019, a tragic incident left Otto paralyzed. After a recent breakup and measures to secure her home, her ex-boyfriend broke in, striking both Otto and Riessle. He shot Riessle in the face, stabbed him in the back, and then attacked Otto, resulting in her paralysis and losing an eye. Despite the gruesome assault and several health complications including the inability to sweat, Otto turned to sports for a new beginning, discovering archery in March 2021.

Otto's injuries impose many challenges, like regulating her body's temperature and managing blood pressure spikes. Nevertheless, she thrives on the support of her boyfriend and relentlessly pursues archery. She utilizes a specially designed harness to shoot, hitting a target with her first arrow and quickly setting her sights on the Paralympics.

In January 2023, her ex-boyfriend received a 40-year prison sentence for his crimes. Through resilience and determination, Otto continually shares her story to serve as a beacon of hope for others facing similar adversities. Emphasizing the transformative journey she has undertaken, Otto now lives a fulfilling life filled with love and laughter.

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