Santa Cruz resident Cynthia Ranii, a 77-year-old wheelchair table tennis player, has her eyes on the 2028 LA Paralympics. Her goal is to be the oldest Paralympic medalist in the history of the games. Stricken by Transverse Myelitis, a rare neuro-immunologic disorder, 20 years ago, Cindy is paralyzed from the chest down. A longtime racket sports enthusiast, she did not let paralysis stop her from competing in sports. First in wheelchair tennis and now in wheelchair table tennis, Cindy has won scores of medals both nationally and internationally. A two-time member of the USA Parapan American team, she is now training for a chance to compete in the Paralympics to be hosted by Los Angeles in 2028. It will take increased training, travel, and international tournaments, but she will do whatever it takes to succeed. “It’s a long shot, but why not go for it!,” says Ranii who has recently returned from a successful outing at the US Open.
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