Becca Meyers unable to bring personal care assistant to Tokyo, withdraws from Paralympics

Deaf-blind American swimmer Becca Meyers said on Tuesday she had withdrawn from the Tokyo Paralympics after being told by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee that she could not bring a personal care assistant (PCA) to Japan.

Meyers, whose mother has served as her personal care assistant at all international meets since 2017, said the USOPC told her she did not need a PCA in Japan as there would be one available to assist her and 33 other Paralympic swimmers.

"I've had to make the gut-wrenching decision to withdraw from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics," Meyers, a six-time Paralympics medallist, wrote on Twitter. "I'm angry, I'm disappointed, but most of all, I'm sad to not be representing my country."

The USOPC said that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are increased restrictions on delegation size at the Tokyo Games, which has left the federation only one slot for a PCA who will have to assist 34 Paralympic swimmers. The PCA has more than 27 years of coaching experience and 11 years with para swimmers, the USOPC said.

"This PCA joins a staff of 10 additional accomplished swim professionals, all who have experience with blind swimmers; totalling 11 staff for 34 athletes," the USOPC said in a statement.

"The decisions we've made on behalf of the team have not been easy, and we are heartbroken for athletes who are unable to have their previous support resources available," the USOPC said. "We are confident in the level of support we will offer Team USA and look forward to providing them a positive athlete experience even in the most unprecedented times."

Meyers, who was born with Usher syndrome, a condition that affects both vision and hearing, said the USOPC approved her having a PCA at past international events but that there were new safety measures in place because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

"With COVID, there are new safety measures and limits on non-essential staff in place, rightfully so, but a trusted PCA is essential for me to compete," Meyers wrote.

"So, in 2021, why as a disabled person am I still fighting for my rights?

"I'm speaking up for future generations of Paralympic athletes in hope that they never have to experience the pain I've been through. Enough is enough."

Meyers, who took up swimming in 2000, made her Paralympics debut at London 2012, claiming one silver and a bronze. In 2016, she sealed her first three Paralympic titles, as well as a silver medal, setting two world records along the way.

Several members of the United States Congress have seen Meyers's story and taken to to social media to voice their support.

"It is disgraceful that she was denied essential and reasonable accommodations, which led to her withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics. Our Paralympic athletes deserve better," Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., tweeted.