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Challenges and Triumphs: How Amit Viktor Courreges Redefines Athletic Success
- Stimulite Cushion from Supracore
- Tactical Control Max Handrims from Spinergy Wheels
Every athlete faces their own unique challenges, but for Amit Viktor Courreges, the obstacles have been both physical and systemic. As a paraplegic athlete, Amit’s journey from playing soccer and mountain biking to training for marathons and triathlons has been nothing short of extraordinary. His story sheds light on the difficulties adaptive athletes face, from the complexities of specialized equipment to the lack of accessibility in sports venues. Despite these hurdles, Amit’s determination and passion for endurance sports serve as an inspiration to others. Amit is taking on challenges and accomplishing triumphs along the way.
A New Beginning: Transitioning from Soccer to Endurance Sports
Amit grew up in Germany, where soccer and mountain biking were a big part of his life. Before his injury, running wasn’t something he did unless necessary. Amit shares, “I played a lot of soccer growing up, and I did a lot of mountain biking, but I did not run unless I had to.” However, life took a sharp turn when Amit became a full-time wheelchair user. It was his twin sister who encouraged him to get involved in endurance sports as a way to regain his fitness and find a new purpose. “My twin sister got me into doing it with her as a way to kind of get back in shape,” Amit recalls.
Initially, Amit was hesitant about participating in these sports. He wanted to remain active, but the reality of his new physical limitations made it difficult to accept that things would never be the same. Amit reflects on this transition, saying, “It’s really challenging to have once been a pretty good athlete to coming back and two-thirds of your body doesn’t work, doesn’t do what you want it to do.” This period of adjustment was not just about physical recovery; it was also about adapting mentally to a new way of life.
First Race, First Challenges: Competing Against the Odds
Amit’s first race was a ten-miler, an event that would mark the beginning of his competitive journey in endurance sports. Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Amit was determined not to finish last. However, the race course had not been designed with wheelchair users in mind. “This bridge, they had not taken into account wheelchair users at all… my caster wheels, the front wheels on my chair, were actually falling through, and I couldn’t get up it,” Amit shares. This experience was a turning point for him. He finished the race and it proved that he could compete on equal footing with able-bodied athletes.
The lack of consideration for adaptive athletes is a recurring theme in Amit’s experiences. Whether it’s navigating inaccessible racecourses or dealing with the indifference of event organizers, the challenges are numerous. Yet, Amit remains undeterred. “From there, you kind of go, well, this is something that I can actually compete against bipeds in. And that’s really what changed it for me,” he explains.
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The Road Ahead: Training for a Triathlon
Now, Amit is not only participating in running races but is also preparing for his first triathlon. This new goal is not just about proving something to himself but also about pushing the boundaries of what is possible for adaptive athletes. “My twin has done triathlons, and she loved it. Now, I want that same experience.” Amit says, highlighting the competitive spirit that runs in his family.
Training for a triathlon involves balancing swimming, cycling, and running, each of which presents its own set of challenges for a paraplegic athlete. Swimming, for instance, is Amit’s favorite, as it provides a rare opportunity where his disability is less noticeable. “For one thing, once you get in the pool, no one knows you’re paraplegic, which shouldn’t be a huge thing, but for me, it really is a huge thing,” he admits.
Cycling, however, presents a different set of challenges, especially when using a hand cycle. The design of these cycles often complicates the act of turning and shifting gears. “One of the problems with hand cycles versus a regular bike is the gears are on the front wheel, so your turning is the same as the wheel that turns, which is attached to the gears. And that complicates things,” Amit explains.
The Cost of Participation: Financial and Emotional Struggles
One of the most significant hurdles for adaptive athletes like Amit is the cost associated with specialized equipment. Adaptive equipment can be prohibitively expensive, with custom wheelchairs alone costing thousands of dollars. “When the airlines break your chair, that’s your entire mobility. It’s not just your race, that’s everything,” Amit says, pointing out the impact of such incidents on both his racing and daily life.
In addition to the financial strain, there’s also the emotional toll of dealing with systemic indifference. Amit frequently encounters venues and events that are not accessible. These encounters are a constant reminder of the challenges he faces. “It’s aggravating to be left out, but the worst thing that happens at races is they’ll rent all these porta-potties, and not a single one of them is wheelchair accessible,” Amit notes, highlighting the oversight that continues to exclude adaptive athletes.
Advocacy and Awareness: Paving the Way for Future Athletes
Despite these challenges, Amit is committed to advocating for better accessibility and awareness in sports. He works to advance the rights of people with disabilities, particularly in the context of airline travel. With airline travel there is a high risk of damaged wheelchairs which is a constant concern. “I’m very concerned that the airline will break my chair, as they have done multiple times already,” Amit shares, underscoring the anxiety that comes with each trip.
Amit’s journey is not just about personal achievement; it’s also about paving the way for other adaptive athletes. He hopes that his experiences and advocacy work will lead to a more inclusive environment. An environment where all athletes, regardless of ability, can compete on a level playing field.
An Ongoing Journey
Amit Viktor Courreges’ story is about challenges and triumphs faced by adaptive athletes. From his first race to his upcoming triathlon, Amit’s journey is filled with obstacles that many might find insurmountable. Yet, he continues to push forward, not just for himself but for the broader community of adaptive athletes. His story is a reminder that while the road may be difficult, it is also filled with opportunities. Amit’s story will inspire others and create lasting change in the world of endurance sports.
Resources For Supports, Grants Health and Fitness Programs and More:
Advice From Amit: Adaptive athletes looking for a place to start should try their closest rehabilitation center. They can also get great state-level resources from their vocational rehab. If they are not located conveniently, find a group on social media that is local that does the sport or activity they wish to do and try it with the non disabled peers to start until you can get the grants you need to succeed.
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