In the Pursuit of Passion
“Some things in life are so good you won’t even know how to ask for them,” says California Alpha Sydney Barta, reflecting on what she would tell her six-year-old self who was uncertain she would ever walk again. After losing her left leg to a sudden injury, Sydney has now made history as Stanford University’s first Paralympian to compete on the track and field team—a testament to her journey defined by grit, determination and gratitude.
In October 2010, Sydney participated in a kids’ fun run around Washington, D.C., with her first-grade class. Following the race, Sydney was waiting for her mother in a parking lot when metal scaffolding suddenly fell onto her foot, shattering her ankle. She was transported to the hospital to assess the damage—only to face four long months of complications. She first developed compartment syndrome, resulting in severe pressure buildup around her foot, and eventually sepsis. A rising fever indicated an emergency, and doctors made the difficult decision to amputate Sydney’s left leg.
From intense phantom pain to prosthetic complications, the recovery process was not without challenges. After months of trial and error, Sydney finally found a prosthetic that suited her, learned to walk again and returned to what she loved most: school and sports. She eased in by playing softball and eventually transitioned to basketball at eight years old. But after complaints arose from other parents about Sydney competing with a prosthetic leg, she was met with a new set of challenges—ones that targeted her self-esteem. “I realized that in order to compete at the level I wanted to, I had to make myself appear more normal,” she shares. Although a difficult weight to carry at her age, the experience led to Sydney’s resilient mindset which she still leans on today. “I quickly learned I can’t control what people say about me, but I can control the effort I put in.”
After discovering a love for running and its demand for perseverance, Sydney began devoting her life to training. In hail, snow or freezing temperatures, Sydney would be on the track until 10 p.m. most nights, pushing herself in pursuit of personal growth.
Channeling this tenacity, Sydney went on to become an accomplished track and field athlete, winning several notable championships including the Para Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile—a moment she describes as one of her proudest. Despite lack of emotional support, academic stress and training inconsistency at the time, Sydney didn't let self-doubt win even as it spiraled in the moments leading up to the starting line. “Sydney says. “I showed up in that moment, and I won because of it.”
Syndey trained independently during her first two years at Stanford University, but after coaches recognized her innate talent and ability, she was added to Stanford’s track and field team. “My life completely changed in the best way possible,” she reflects. Not only did this give Sydney access to top-tier training and a supportive team, but it also helped her achieve a dream so many athletes chase. “I know many athletes who have had to choose between education and their career, so I feel incredibly lucky I get to live this life.”
Being the first Paralympian to make the Stanford track and field team also fueled a deep sense of purpose for Sydney: Para-athlete advocacy. “I’m sure there are hundreds of people with disabilities who have wanted to compete for Stanford’s track and field team,” she explains. “For me to be able to prove the value we bring is an incredible experience.” Although Sydney is proud to witness the rising recognition of Para-athletes, her hope is to continue making actionable changes at the policy level to make room for even more opportunity. “I want to ensure these athletes are supported, but just having representation is a huge step.”
From the fear she felt at six years old, lying in a hospital bed, to competing for one of the most prestigious universities in the country, every finish line Sydney crosses is a step forward for Para-athletes around the world. Even in inevitable moments of self-doubt, uncertainty and exhaustion, Sydney credits her success to the mindset that continuously fuels her drive. “My life is shaped by gratitude,” she says. “To me, it’s such a blessing to be tired in the pursuit of something you love.”
Published February 4, 2026