She began competing competitively whilst still a teenager , and at the age of 18 was selected for her first Paralympics , when she was chosen to represent Russia at the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens .
She began competing competitively whilst still a teenager , and she competed in both middle and long distance events . 
 Pautova then switched to middle - distance events , and at the age of 18 she was selected for her first Paralympics , chosen to represent Russia at the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens .