Olympics boxing reporter with 'no arms' issues defiant message to trolls criticising why he's there

A commentator at the Olympics who has no arms has issued a defiant message to social media trolls, hitting out at why he's there and in the job he has.

The Olympics and Paralympics act as two festivals of sporting inclusivity and cohesion, with people coming together regardless of their backgrounds or potentially contrasting beliefs.

And if we're honest, this year's couldn't have come at a better time following on from war in Europe, the Middle East, and riots here in the UK.

So it's always a shame when a small group like to raise their head above the parapet and spout off nonsense views with a sprinkle of cowardice and bigotry.

The issue has sadly been brought to light during the 2024 Paris Olympics, with one member of the press having to fight back against those questioning why he is there.

Andy Stevenson has been a leading member of the disabled sports broadcasting community for several years, serving as a leading voice in the Paralympics across BBC outlets.

On top of that, Stevenson has become a leading voice in non-disabled sport, becoming a regular contributor to the BBC's boxing broadcasts.

"While I want to be an authority on disability sport, it’s crucial to me that I also work across non-disabled sport to underline that I am being hired for my ability and experience and not just because of my disability," he told the Shaw Trust.

It is why during the Paris Games, Stevenson has been behind the mic alongside the likes of retired Team GB boxer Nicola Adams for the BBC.

But the journalist has been forced to defend his position after trolls targeted him.

"The people amused / shocked / appalled that the BBC would hire a boxing reporter with no arms are going to fall off their sofas when they hear I also do golf, tennis, snooker etc," he said on his X account.

"PS I also have a prosthetic leg and report on football [shocked face emoji]."

The people amused/shocked/appalled that the BBC would hire a boxing reporter with no arms are going to fall off their sofas when they hear I also do golf, tennis, snooker etc.

PS I also have a prosthetic leg and report on football 😱

(Thanks @tphollingsworth for the pic) pic.twitter.com/sT7SJw8cHO

— Andy Stevenson (@AndyStevenson81) August 9, 2024

Dozens of social media users responded to Andy with messages of positivity. One said: "Well done Andy! Keep doing what you’re doing!"

Another wrote: "I like the idea there's a kid at home with no arms who saw you, turned to Mum or Dad and declared with glee 'look he's like me!'"

Philip Dorward, who will be commentating on the 2024 Paris Paralympics, replied: "It's one of the great legacies of the London 2012 Paralympics that presenters with disabilities are commonplace on British TV. This is to be celebrated."

Referencing the 'no arms' insults thrown his way by morons, Stevenson was in fact born with no hands and very short arms above the elbow.