“Your body isn’t broken—it just works differently now.”
That’s how Dana Mathewson—3x Team USA Wheelchair Paralympian, and Wimbledon champ—views her body today, but that wasn’t always her perspective. At the age of 10, Dana developed a rare auto-immune condition. When most girls are desperately trying to fit in with their peers, Dana was forced to reimagine her identity and future. She shares, “I was 10 years old, and suddenly, the thing everyone noticed about me was my wheelchair. I felt like I had to be prettier, funnier—just more—to compensate for what I thought was a huge defect.”
Reflecting on this period, Dana mentions, “sports taught me to see my body as something to celebrate, not to hide.” Wheelchair tennis helped her rebuild confidence and overcome self-doubt,, ultimately propelling her to the highest levels of competition on the global stage. “Although my body doesn’t work the same way it used to, that doesn’t mean it’s broken. It just means I’ve found a new way to make it work for me—and it does.”
Dana also opens up about her decision to retire after over a decade in the sport, saying, “I realized I wanted to spend more time with my family and my new husband—there was more to life than constant travel and training.”
She remains deeply connected to the game, transitioning into commentary and consulting roles, where she plans to bring her firsthand insights to a wider audience. We can’t wait to tune in!
Throughout, Dana discusses the challenges of breaking down misconceptions about Paralympic sports, the importance of representation, and her hopes for para-sports leading into LA 2028. Plus, she offers advice for anyone navigating life’s challenges: lean into what makes you unique, find community, and don’t be afraid to redefine success. “The outlets are out there, and others are searching for you just as much as you’re searching for them,” she says.
