What it takes to be a Paralympian

The Winter Paralympic Games are set to wrap up this weekend in Milan Cortina, with the closing ceremony set for March 15. Over 600 athletes are competing this year, and NBC has announced it will broadcast at least 270 hours of programming.

Amy Purdy is a three-time Paralympic medalist, who helped lead the charge to make adaptive snowboarding an official Paralympic sport. Her days of competing at the Paralympics are over, but she uses her online platform to raise awareness about some of the challenges facing athletes at the Games. One challenge is the timing of the Winter Paralympics, which fall during the warming days of March.

“You’re literally skiing or snowboarding in just inches of slush that grabs your skis,” Purdy said. “You want to be able to watch the athletes perform at their best, and it’s just hard to do that in spring conditions.”

She’s advocated on social media for moving the Winter Paralympics earlier in the season.

“Marketplace” host Kimberly Adams talked to Purdy about all things Winter Paralympics, including Paralympic commentary and all the expenses that come with making it to the Games.

To listen to their conversation, use the audio player above.