The eyes of the world are on Paris as athletes from around the globe are competing in the 2024 Olympics. Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky have already won an unprecedented number of gold medals, but an Aikenite will soon be giving her all to represent the CSRA and the USA.
When the lights dim on August 11 after the Olympics closing ceremony, the spotlight will turn to the Paralympics which begins August 28 through September 8. That is when you can cheer for Ellen Geddes.
She grew up in Aiken’s horse country. Her neighbors had horses and at nine years old, she was hooked and started riding lessons. Later, she would compete in local, regional, and national equestrian events and dressage.
Geddes eventually bought two farms for training and breeding facilities, Bridlewood in Aiken and Maplewood in Johnston, SC. The horse industry is big business in Aiken County, bringing in more than $72 million to the local economy. She didn’t start the farms for the money, it was for the love of horses.
“I own 30 horses, but recently sold my interest in Bridlewood Farms because operating two farms and focusing on my upcoming competition in the Paralympics just wasn’t feasible,” Geddes explained.
A new competitive focus
In 2011, she was in a car accident that resulted in a complete spinal cord injury. It changed her life direction in more ways than one.
“When I was in rehab at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, which focuses on working with brain and spinal cord injuries, I met Dennis Aspry who was on the National Fencing Team. He inspired me to join parafencing.”
At this point, Ellen was in a wheelchair and even though it was a big lifestyle change, she appreciated the opportunity to try something new.
Just two years after her injury, Geddes qualified for her first Wheelchair World Championship and followed that up by winning her first medal at the World Cup circuit in Montreal in 2014. Through training and perseverance, she has added to her hardware by winning a total of four bronze and two silver World Cup medals.
“As a beginner, fencing was easy to learn but going into an advanced level and competing in the World Cup and the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020 was much more difficult.”
Geddes has much inspiration in her life. Her uncle has been in a wheelchair since the age of 17. Her boyfriend, Will Chase, also fences in a wheelchair and is a master coach for other parafencers.
For the record, fencing can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was used for both self-defense and combat. Think of her competitive nature as combating a disability.
Let the games begin
When ABD caught up with Geddes, she was boarding a plane for Vancouver for more training prior to heading to Paris.
“I feel like my preparation has been stronger going into this Paralympics than when I competed in Tokyo. I’m ready.”
She also reflected on advice given to her when she first started competing; guidance which could also benefit any business owner. “Be prepared to not be successful at first. The hard work is worth it and the more you work at it, the better you get.”
Ellen Geddes is honored and excited to represent Aiken in the Paralympics. You can tune in for the parafencing competition, featuring team and individual events, from September 4 through the 7th. The Paralympics will be shown on NBC Ch. 26 and on the Peacock app.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
