A New Year, New Goals for Stockwell
Melissa Stockwell, a U.S. Army veteran and Paralympic triathlete, will continue to drive the adaptive sports movement in 2025. On January 22, she announced a strategic partnership with several military veterans’ organizations to expand opportunities for veterans with disabilities, particularly in adaptive sports. This initiative aligns with her ongoing commitment to providing opportunities for healing, competition and inclusion for military veterans.
Triathlon Achievements Drive New Initiatives
Stockwell’s impressive triathlon career, which includes a bronze medal from the 2016 Rio Paralympics, has helped raise the profile of adaptive sports worldwide. Her foundation, the Melissa Stockwell Foundation, has been instrumental in developing programs that provide injured veterans with the resources needed to compete in triathlons. The new partnership focuses on offering adaptive sports camps that not only provide training but also equip veterans with the necessary gear to participate in events.
“I want to see veterans who are recovering from injury or transition from military service find the same confidence, strength, and purpose that triathlon gave me,” Stockwell said in her announcement. The partnership’s goal is to broaden access to competitive sports and allow veterans to build camaraderie, improve fitness, and experience the healing power of sports.
Advocacy for Greater Accessibility
Stockwell has long advocated for adaptive sports and their potential to transform lives. She has used her platform as a decorated athlete to lobby for policy changes that will increase accessibility for athletes with disabilities. On January 18, 2025, Stockwell testified before Congress, urging lawmakers to improve policies that provide more adaptive sports opportunities for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
“Sports give veterans a sense of purpose, and they need more support to continue their athletic journey,” Stockwell told lawmakers. Her advocacy efforts have sparked ongoing discussions about the need for increased funding and inclusive policies at the federal level. Her call for greater accessibility is now shaping national conversations on how to integrate veterans more effectively into the adaptive sports community.
The Path Ahead
Stockwell’s relentless drive continues to inspire athletes of all backgrounds. Given the success of her fundraising campaigns and the impact of her foundation’s work, she sees 2025 as a pivotal year for adaptive sports. “I want to see veterans achieve their personal bests and redefine what’s possible in the world of adaptive sports,” Stockwell said.
As Stockwell’s foundation grows, so does the movement she leads—one that aims to offer all veterans the chance to experience the life-changing benefits of adaptive sports. The road ahead is full of promise as Stockwell’s vision becomes a reality for many more athletes in 2025 and beyond.
