Her Story
About Debra
Deborah Carabet (Coach Deb) is a full-time Para Multisport Coach based in the Los Angeles, California area, where she is recognized as the only dedicated full-time professional in this role in Southern California. Through her company, Elevate Multisport & Paratriathlon Coaching, she specializes in coaching paratriathletes, paracycling, pararunning, and paraswimming athletes, while also introducing women and beginners of all abilities to multisport and endurance sports. Her coaching work extends across training programs, talent identification camps, and development pathways supporting athletes aiming for national and Paralympic competition.
With nearly a decade of coaching experience and approximately seven years focused specifically on para-athletes, Carabet has become a leading advocate for accessibility and inclusion in endurance sports. She serves as a coach and consultant for organizations such as USA Triathlon, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Training Centers, the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and other nonprofit initiatives supporting adaptive sport. In addition, she plays key leadership roles as Parathlete Coordinator for major events including the Los Angeles Marathon and other regional races, ensuring athletes with disabilities have structured, supported competition opportunities.
Before transitioning into full-time coaching, Carabet spent over 20 years in corporate media and sports marketing, working in advertising, broadcast, and partnerships with organizations including Golf Digest. She holds an undergraduate degree in Deaf Education and Speech Pathology, along with multiple certifications in triathlon, paratriathlon, cycling, safety, and safeguarding. Her contributions to sport and inclusion have earned her recognition such as Coach of the Year honors, and she remains actively engaged in advisory and board roles supporting adaptive sports development, athlete welfare, and the broader Paralympic movement.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Debra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of hard work, persistence, and a deep commitment to continuous learning. I’ve also been fortunate to have strong mentorship throughout my career, as well as a dedicated community of athletes, coaches, and volunteers who consistently inspire and challenge me. Their trust and collaboration have been central to everything I’ve been able to build and achieve.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women to believe in themselves and not allow age, background, or a single career path to define their future. This industry rewards adaptability, resilience, and curiosity. I encourage them to build strong networks, seek out mentors, and stay open to reinvention as their interests and opportunities evolve over time.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges we face is securing adequate funding and ensuring consistent access to truly accessible training and competition spaces, such as pools and tracks. The high cost of adaptive equipment—like prosthetic running blades, handcycles, and race chairs—also remains a significant barrier for many athletes. At the same time, there is an incredible opportunity ahead with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which can serve as a powerful platform to expand visibility, investment, and long-term support for para-athletes and inclusive sport programs.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide my work and personal life are inclusion, service, and advocacy. I am deeply committed to giving back, advancing education, and building strong, supportive communities. Everything I do is centered on creating access and opportunity so that athletes of all abilities can participate, thrive, and reach their fullest potential.
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