Since the incident, Duckworth has completed two marathons as part of the Achilles Freedom Team, which mainly compromises wounded Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Last November, Duckworth testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in favour of the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Tammy Duckworth lost both her legs when she was attacked piloting a Blackhawk helicopter in Iraq in 2004 ©Bloomberg/Getty Images



"It is a tremendous honour to be part of the Paralympic Games with such heroic athletes," said Duckworth.

"It is a sad fact that in many countries around the world, the disabled are hidden, considered to be an embarrassment and not afforded the accommodations needed for them to lead productive lives.

"The athletes of the Paralympic Games are an inspiration for the disabled citizens of the world and an example of what we can accomplish.

"Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, the United States has been the global leader in standing up for the rights of persons with disabilities and I am humbled to leads its delegation.

"I am optimistic that the Games in Sochi will inspire the United States Senate to ratify the CRPD and reaffirm America's standing as a leader for fairness and justice.

"I hope that the diversity of race, gender and sexual orientation of our American athletes sets an example of inclusiveness for our hosts."

Duckworth will lead a Presidential delegation to Sochi that will attend athletic events, meet with US athletes and attend the Opening Ceremony on March 7.

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