Ms. James echoes those sentiments. “All of the women were so different,” she says. “They were mothers, students, athletes — and all wonderful. Right before the winner was announced, someone grabbed my hand. We were all holding hands, arms raised, when the winner was announced.”
Paralyzed in a swimming-pool accident, she doesn’t minimize the effect that the injury had on her life. Yes, says James, 31, she has moments when she fantasizes about how wonderful it would feel to pull on running shoes and jog with the wind in her hair. “But if I could erase all this from my life, I wouldn’t do it. . . . I’ve become a better person because of it.”
James said she wants to continue to use her life, before and after the accident, as an example of how much can be accomplished, regardless of circumstances, if one has faith.
“This is a dream come true,” James said. “I want to use my life to show others that the impossible is possible, that they can overcome any adversity and that people in wheelchairs can live active and productive lives. This gives me an incredible platform.”