“A medal rewards a life journey”

As an athlete, what is your state of mind as you approach these Paralympic Games?

Marie-Amélie Le Fur: I am more motivated than ever for the long jump event, even though an injury hampered my preparation, forcing me to withdraw from the European Championships last June.

And as president of the French Paralympic Committee?

I am both happy and relieved that these Games can finally take place for all the athletes who have continued to train, despite the uncertainties linked to Covid-19.

Not too sad to end your career as a top athlete?

Not at all! We must make room for young people. I continue to act within the French Committee in order to share the spirit of these Paralympic Games. The participants’ disability brings an extra soul: these are men and women committed beyond their sport.

What is important to you in a medal?

The people who help you win it. A medal is not just about a performance, it is about a life journey and years of teamwork.

What family gene did you inherit?

My parents encouraged me to stay positive and energetic. They must have passed on the hyperactivity gene to me because I can’t sit still! I think my 2-year-old daughter Anna has it too!

A quality you would be proud to pass on to your daughter?

Open-mindedness. You have to take the time to interact with others to build yourself. A good plan to reconnect with nature? Go out into my garden, at my home in Loir-et-Cher, to enjoy nature throughout the seasons.

Do you have a guardian angel?

There are people who accompany me with their presence and their kindness. There are also those who have left and who remind me every day how precious life is, that there is no point in getting annoyed by the little worries of everyday life.

You are offered eternal life. Will you sign?

Dying is part of life. We move forward, we do our time, we pass on, we leave a mark that allows others to grow. I just hope I don’t leave too soon, just as I wish for the people I love.

1.2 billion people with disabilities in the world 💜Together let’s act to transform our perception of disability and promote an accessible and inclusive society through sport #wethe15 #inspiration #capacities #ability #diversity #inclusion https://t.co/YEJLqRUEpb ​​— Le Fur Marie Amelie (@mariealefur) August 20, 2021

>>> Also read on Lepelerin.com: Virginie Delalande: “My disability pushed me to break the mold”