Liksi, Lakas, Gilas: The Lived Experiences of Female Para-Athletes

The representation of female para-athletes in the Philippines remains limited despite their contributions to national para-sports. While international literature addresses the intersection of disability and gender in sports, the lived experiences of Filipino female para-athletes remain understudied, particularly within non-Western, developing contexts. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of three (3) female para-athletes from a community of persons with disabilities, examining how they navigate identity, resilience, and empowerment within the context of para-sports. Using Inductive Thematic Analysis following Braun and Clarke's framework, seven core themes emerged: (1) Navigating the Early Struggles of Disability and Identity, (2) Finding Ground and Acceptance, (3) Redefining Strength and Resilience, (4) Entering the World of Sports, (5) Igniting the Flame Within, (6) Raising the Game, and (7) Beyond the Finish Line. These findings highlight not only the challenges in social inclusion, accessibility, and support systems, but also inspiring stories of empowerment, resilience, and advocacy that drive change. In response to these findings, the Project Para-athletes Unified Sports Optimization (P.U.S.O.) was proposed as an inclusive, community-based development model designed to provide holistic and continuous support for para-athletes across their athletic lifespan and post-sport transition, thereby addressing gaps in institutional care and athlete welfare.