Wheelchair jumper Lukas Müller: With optimism against paraplegia!

Wheelchair jumper Lukas Müller: With optimism against paraplegia!

Leipzig, Deutschland - Lukas Müller, a former competitive athlete and ski jumper, had to redefine his sporting ambitions after a serious accident in 2016, which led to an incomplete paraplegia. Since then he has been in a wheelchair, but is grateful for the support he received, and sees positive aspects in his new life situation. So Müller has a passion for the Wings for Life World Run that takes place on May 4, 2025.

The possible run, the aim of which is to invest 100% of the income in spinal cord research, will be a special opportunity for Müller to show further progress in its mobility. He has already covered 2.3 kilometers with crutches and is planning to complete more kilometers in a wheelchair at the upcoming event. He emphasizes that the event is inclusive: runners and wheelchair users are treated equally, which a valuable message of cohesion.

awareness of paraplegia

The initiative of the Wings for Life World Run, which aims at creating awareness of paraplegia, is very popular both internationally and regionally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Every year between 250,000 and 500,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury that leads to a paraplegia. The most common causes are traffic accidents, falls and acts of violence. These injuries not only have profound effects on the life of those affected, but also lead to various health complications.

The WHO emphasizes that the life expectancy of people with paraplegia is often shortened and that they are dependent on continuous help. Müller is optimistic that future patients will benefit from better rehabilitation opportunities. The Wings for Life World Run, which has collected over 40 million euros for spinal cord research since its first start in 2014, plays a crucial role.

In 2022, 161,892 participants from 192 countries took part, including 920 people in a wheelchair. An impressive number of 5,836 people with disabilities took part in the previous nine events. On average, the participants covered 11.9 kilometers in 2022, while the run earned a total of 4.7 million euros.

These numbers not only illustrate the growing interest in the running event, but also the urgent need to raise awareness of the challenges with which people are confronted with paraplegia. Müller is aware of this and is actively committed to a better future: "I hope that we can fight together for healing and strengthen awareness of inclusion and equal opportunities," he says.

With the upcoming events and initiatives such as the international Spinal Cord Injury Day on September 5, the importance of education and research will continue to be pointed out. The collective efforts to support and promote accessibility are the focus of these movements. The wings for life world run Event, but also a valuable means of improving living conditions for people with paraplegia.