Arlington Paralympian Sydney Barta Competes At Tokyo Games

ARLINGTON, VA — Sydney Barta of Arlington is competing in four track and field events over the next two weeks at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Barta, a 17-year-old student at National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C., will be competing in the 100-meter, 200-meter, discus throw and shot put throw, according to the Team USA website.

A two-time U.S. Paralympics Track & Field High School All-American, Barta was recognized in 2019 as the U.S. Paralympics Track & Field High School Female Field Athlete of the Year.

When Barta was 11, she began playing AAU basketball. In high school, was an active athlete, playing varsity volleyball, basketball and track.

In the Paralympic Games, Barta competes in T64/F64 events, which means she has a below-the-knee limb deficiency and competes with a prothesis.

When Barta was 6, a metal scaffolding fell on her left leg, shattering her foot. After 21 surgeries, she was fitted with a prothesis.

The 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games run from Monday through Sept. 5.