Katie Pegg blazing trail for para-athletes at Saint Mary’s

For Saint Mary’s University para-athlete Katie Pegg, the journey to the 2024 Paralympic Games began with a leap of faith and a willingness to try something new.

“I never thought I’d get into track and field,” said Pegg.

“It just kind of happened at my school. I gave it a shot, and I ended up loving it.”

Pegg, who lives with a disability, didn’t initially see herself as a high-performance athlete. But through persistence, encouragement, and a growing love for sport, she found her place on the Huskies team as a shot putter — a decision that would change her life.

Before stepping into the throwing circle, Pegg was a football player. She played on the defensive line and took pride in her physicality and toughness. Even after leaving the field as a player, she stayed involved with the team, helping out in practice, staying close to the locker room culture, and continuing to support her teammates.

“It was all about team for me,” said Pegg.

“Whether I was playing or just being around the group, I wanted to be part of it.”

That sense of community helped guide her transition into para-athletics. Her first major competitions in shot put brought her into contact with other para-athletes for the first time, which is a moment she describes as transformational.

“To be around other people competing with different physical conditions — it was amazing,” she said. 

“It made me feel like I wasn’t alone.”

Pegg’s rapid development eventually led her to the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, her first international competition. 

“I went to my first Worlds, and it was such an amazing experience,” she said.

“Being surrounded by all those athletes from around the world — it really opened my eyes.”

She vividly remembers the energy of the Paralympic Village and the excitement of building relationships with athletes from other countries. The experience of seeing elite para-athletes competing and supporting one another gave her new confidence and motivation.

“It was really cool to see how many people were there for each other,” said Pegg. 

“People were cheering, sharing stories. It felt like more than just a competition.”

Pegg continues to train and compete in shot put with Saint Mary’s, inspired by what she experienced in Paris. She says being part of the Paralympic movement has helped her grow not just as an athlete, but as a person.

“It helped my confidence so much,” she said. 

“It made me feel more comfortable with myself, speaking out, and believing that I belong here.”

For Pegg, representation is a powerful motivator. Growing up, she didn’t see many para-athletes in the sports world.

“People don’t talk enough about athletes with disabilities,” she said. 

“Just because we move differently doesn’t mean we can’t do things — we can.”

Now, she hopes to be that example for others, especially young athletes who might not yet see a place for themselves in sport. She speaks openly about the importance of inclusion and wants more people to understand the strength and potential of para-athletes.

“I want to help others find their momentum,” she said. 

“Even if you’re starting small, just believe that you can do it.”

She also emphasized the importance of mutual support, both in competition and in everyday life. Whether in the throwing circle, in the weight room, or at a community event, Pegg says she’s grateful for the people who’ve encouraged her along the way.

“There were people who helped me believe I could compete, who pushed me to keep going,” she said. 

“That kind of support makes all the difference.”

As she continues her studies and athletics at Saint Mary’s, Pegg is already looking ahead to new goals — possibly another shot at Worlds or even the next Paralympic Games.

But regardless of where her next competition takes her, she knows how far she’s already come.

“I’m proud of everything I’ve done,” she said. 

“From football to the throwing circle, from school to the Paralympics, it’s been a journey.”