Paralympic Rower and cross-country skier Birgit Skarstein takes a break from her punishing two sport training regime to talk to the Armless Archer, Matt Stutzman, and track and field legend Michael Johnson.

Learn how Birgit’s “gratitude list” helped her to stay positive despite a severe spinal cord injury and made her determined to grasp every opportunity that comes her way. Birgit describes falling in love with para sport during a trip to watch the London 2012 Paralympics and deciding to become more involved.

Be it survival expeditions, skiing, rowing or dancing with the stars Birgit is up for any challenge and is a real force of nature when it comes to putting the “able” into disabled. Matt and Michael find out how Squid Game and Die Hard feature in elite rowing.

In Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? Matt and Michael explore the hard work, drive, dedication and sacrifice required to become an elite Paralympian. Come back next time when they’re joined by Queen of The Pool, Anastasia Pagonis.

Brought to you by the creators of Emmy Award winning Rising Phoenix. Supported by global partners Procter & Gamble - the makers of Oral-B, Pampers and Gillette Venus - and adidas. 

“Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman

Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.

You can watch the video version of this episode on the Rising Phoenix Youtube channel here

This is a Persephonica production in partnership with Harder Than You Think.

Hosts: Michael Johnson and Matt Stutzman

Producers: Marilyn Rust and Calum Campbell

Director of video: Oliver Geraghty

Video production: Dan Pape 

Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Ellie Clifford

Archive: IPC Tokyo 2020, Skal vi Danse, Monsen Ingen Grenser S2

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