ParaGold offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of four extraordinary Paralympic equestrian hopefuls as they strive for a coveted spot on the U.S. Paralympic Dressage team, with dreams set on winning gold at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Roxy Trunnell, Rebecca Hart, David Botana, and Sydney Collier each face severe physical disabilities, yet their unwavering determination and profound connection with their horses propel them toward greatness.
Set against the backdrop of the demanding sport of Para-Dressage, where athletes are classified according to their disabilities and perform intricate routines at a walk, trot, and canter, ParaGold showcases the dedication and resilience of these remarkable individuals. Despite the challenges they encounter, the riders push boundaries and defy expectations, driven by a shared passion for excellence and a relentless pursuit of their Paralympic dreams.
As the documentary unfolds, viewers are immersed in the exhilarating world of Paralympic equestrianism, witnessing the athletes' triumphs, setbacks, and profound moments of connection with their equine partners. With the 2020 Paralympic Games looming on the horizon, ParaGold captures the heart and soul of these inspiring athletes as they navigate the highs and lows of their journey towards Paralympic glory.
Despite the general affluence needed to feed and house a horse, ParaGold manages to include some diverse ideas and experiences around disabilities. Many moments in the film tend towards tear-jerking, aligning with the film’s emotional tone. The element that stood out most to me was how ParaGold compared to other modern sports documentaries. It’s very similar to other recently released titles like Surf Nation in its style and mixture of footage. Many documentaries about disabled athletes often tilt toward inspiration porn, but ParaGold skillfully dodges this common pitfall by focusing on the subject’s skill, passion, and desire to compete. Anyone looking for a unique title for sports documentary shelves will want to pick up ParaGold soon. Highly recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
ParaGold would be a perfect fit for both sports and disability documentary collections.
What kind of college instructors could use this title?
Athletics and physical therapy classrooms would find the greatest use in ParaGold.