Grand Canyon University alumna Jataya Taylor is gearing up for the Paralympics in Paris, where she will compete in both women’s foil and épée wheelchair fencing. The Marine veteran has had an impressive athletic career, participating in various sports including Nordic cross country skiing, biathlon, swimming, cycling, rock climbing, and snowboarding. Surprisingly, she has found her true passion in the strategy-focused arena of wheelchair fencing, which contrasts with her high-energy background.
Taylor, who resides in Aurora, Colorado, will join approximately 4,000 athletes vying for nearly 550 medals at the prestigious event from August 28 to September 9. This journey into wheelchair fencing began just two years ago when she visited a local fencing center with fellow veterans and was instantly captivated.
Although she didn’t initially have Paralympic aspirations upon graduating high school, she had a singular goal to serve in the military, inspired by her Air Force father. Her life plans took a drastic turn after she faced multiple injuries during training. With severe shoulder and knee injuries, compounded by a rare connective tissue disorder, Taylor found herself confined to a wheelchair, leading her military career to an abrupt end.
Determined not to give up, she made the courageous choice to amputate her leg after years of living with pain. This decision, instead of being perceived as a loss, became a pivotal moment in Taylor’s life, providing her with newfound freedom and motivation. Adapted sports became a vital outlet for her recovery, and in 2018, she received the Disabled American Veterans Freedom Award for her bravery.
While pursuing her master’s degree in public health at GCU, Taylor remained focused on helping others and integrating her love for the outdoors with her education. Juggling her studies, work with the Denver Fencing Foundation, and her passion for fencing, she remained active in the community and even initiated a fencing program in Namibia.
As she prepares to compete alongside the Team USA fencing team in Paris, Taylor emphasizes the importance of her faith in guiding her through challenges. This grounding force, combined with her impressive athletic abilities and strategic mindset, sets the stage for her exciting Paralympic journey.