From football dream to gold medals: Wojtek Czyz away to new challenges

From football dream to gold medals: Wojtek Czyz away to new challenges

A life full of surprises and unexpected twists: Wojtek Czyz, a man who has never given up his passion for sport, despite serious challenges. He originally dreamed of a career in football, especially at 1. FC Kaiserslautern, the club, whose colors also make his heart beat. Tragically, a terrible accident occurred in a game with the then club Grünstadt, in which the left lower leg had to be amputated. Such a fate could discourage most of us, but not Czyz.

on the contrary, Wojtek Czyz became an inspiring figure in Paralympic Sport. With tireless efforts, he won a total of four times gold over 100 and 200 meters at the Paralympic Games in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 and also secured the title in the long jump twice. With his impressive achievements, he became a symbol for 1. FC Kaiserslautern and helped the club to have a positive presence in sports and beyond.

a new beginning in New Zealand

But now Wojtek Czyz is facing a new chapter in his life. The native of the pole, who came to Lautern at the age of eight, has decided to change his sporting path. At the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris, he will no longer compete in athletics, but in badminton - and as a athlete for New Zealand. This step is not only sporty, but also a personal trip to a new life.

The background of this decision is as moving as it is inspiring. In an ARD reportage, Czyz told a profound experience that had a lasting impact on him. During his travels, he met a homeless person in Thailand who lived without a prosthesis and instead had a piece of wood around his blunt. In contrast, Czyz was worth 30,000 euros with his highly developed prosthesis. This encounter made him think. "It can't be," he reflected on the injustices that people with disabilities often have to experience.

To make a difference, he started a five-year-old catamaran tour, during which he kept stopping to help people in need with prostheses. This altruistic mission helped him to expand his perspective and touch the lives of other people. And in New Zealand he not only found a new love, but also a new passion for badminton, which will now lead him to the big stage of the Paralympic Games.

Wojtek Czyz is more than just one athlete; It is a symbol of strength, determination and the unconditional will to make the best of the adversity. His path from Lautern to the world shows that you shouldn't give up your dreams, no matter how difficult the starting point may be. With his upcoming appearance in Paris, he will not only compete for himself, but also as an ambassador for many who have to deal with similar challenges. His courage and commitment will continue to be a source of inspiration for many people.