White’s journey to Paris for the 2024 games comes during his first season competing at the national level, he said.
“There is a huge responsibility...” White said. “I’m hoping that with my Paris performance I can pave the way for other young disabled athletes to succeed in the sport.”
Marking a milestone
White first began exploring archery during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. He has since advanced from winning YMCA tournaments to setting six national records and competing internationally in the Czech Republic, he said.
White qualified for the Paralympics following a series of tournaments this spring in which he outperformed the 2020 U.S. Paralympic archery gold medalist.
For six to seven days a week, he practices on perfecting his form, strength and mental agility. White said working with a sports psychologist has been key in allowing him to compete on an international stage.
“The mental component has really been the most important part in getting me to Paris,” he said. “You have to be very focused and very disciplined.”
Archery has allowed White to compete in a way he hasn't been able to with other sports due to his disability, he said. White was born with congenital femoral deficiency—a condition in which one of his legs shorter than the other. He has underwent more than 20 surgeries throughout his life and was recovering from a recent procedure while preparing for the Paralympic trials, he said.
Despite any setbacks, White said setting his sights on the Paralympics has inspired him to keep moving forward.
“On my best and worst days I've known that was going to be my goal,” White said about competing in the Paralympics. “That’s encouraged me to be able to succeed and continue practicing no matter what life throws at me.”
Looking ahead
Looking ahead to August, White said he hopes to bring home a gold medal and use the experience to be better equipped to compete in future Paralympics and world championships.
White and his family are fundraising for the trip to Paris through a GoFundMe. He will not be fully funded by Team U.S.A. until the completion of his first season in 2025, he said.
Community members will hold an event to celebrate and fundraise for White on Aug. 6 from 1-2 p.m. at Dairy Queen, 1701 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park. The event will include free ice cream cones and appearances by local elected officials.
