And shes definitely not the only one.

The costs add up quick.

Paralympic athletes often struggle financially.

A Paralympic basketball player track and field athlete and equestrian rider.

Adam Pretty/Andy Lyons/KAZUHIRO/Getty Images/Amanda K Bailey

Former competitors have shared their experiences applying forfood stampsand living close to thepoverty line.

The conversation picked up even more steam during the 2024 Games, thanks in part to rapper Flavor Flav.

Kate Brim competing in her handcycle.

Kate Brim wearing a white shirt and yellow helmet sits in her handcycle during a race.

Kate Brim competing in her handcycle.

Brims handcycle, for example, costs upwards of $20,000 to be race-ready.

Its a huge burden on athletes.

Athlete stipends vary and are not guaranteed.

Becca Murray throwing a basketball in her wheelchair.

Becca Murray in a basketball tournament.

Most of the time, athletes with disabilities pay for everything themselves.

None of the athletes who spoke to SELF were willing to share what they make, if anything.

Luckily, Brim says this support helped pay for her frame repair.

Roxanne Trunnell riding her horse during a paradressage event.

Roxanne Trunnell competing in a para-dressage event.

But not every athlete gets the same amount.

So yeah, its a risky sport, financially, for sure.

Becca Murray in a basketball tournament.

Brian Siemann wears a red shirt and black helmet as he sits in his racing wheelchair during a competition.

Brian Siemann during a racing event.

Dressage is a notoriously expensive sport, even if you dont have a disability.

And riders with disabilities can have additional expenses to customize this equipment to their bodies needs.

Trunnell owns an embroidery business calledRoxifi Embroiderythat appeals mostly to the horse community and provides her with an income.

Roxanne Trunnell competing in a para-dressage event.

Getting to competitions as a disabled athlete also poses pretty big financial risks.

Its a huge bummer, and we want to see change around it because its just so uncalled for.

Brian Siemann, 34, a three-time track-and-field Paralympian, agrees.

And its not a quick fix for anyone, particularly when sports equipment is involved.

Healthcare can get tricky and expensive for athletes with disabilities.

Brian Siemann during a racing event.

Necessary changes are in the works.

Some things do seem to be improving.

It takes a team to make the dream work.

Related:

Get more of SELFs great health coverage delivered right to your inboxfor free.