Meet Malta’s two athletes heading for the Paralympic Games in Tokyo

Born with dysmelia of his right forearm, Thomas Borg’s parents weaned him into sports from a young age, be it football, swimming, judo, handball or athletics. The 19-year-old university student is now preparing to make his debut at the 16th Summer Paralympic Games, which get underway on August 24 in Tokyo. “Growing up in life, I did experience moments of bullying, but, looking back, it helped shape me to be the person I am today,” Borg told Times of Malta. “I never see myself as different, I always push myself to be the best, to never lose or give up. Sports has helped me do all this.” This is Malta’s 10th appearance at the Games and will be sending two Paralympians, a first since 1980. Malta’s first participation in 1960 was the most successful, as all four representatives won a medal – two silver and two bronze. Track and field athlete Borg will be taking part in the ‘T47’ category and the 100m and 400m sprint events. Swimmer Vladyslava Kravchenko will be competing in the ‘S5’ category and the 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly sprint events. After weeks of intense training, with just a few days away from the races, Borg is preparing to produce his best performances. This...