Heading to Paris for a Third Medal: It All Started with a Motorcycle Accident!

How did your Paralympic journey begin? What inspired you to pursue sports at this level?

After the traffic accident I had in 2004 (Adrian Castro injured his spinal cord in a motorcycle accident), during one of the active rehabilitation camps, I had the chance to see a wheelchair fencing demonstration that made a tremendous impression on me, and I was very eager to try it out. At first, it was a form of entertainment, fulfilment, and self-improvement for me, but it quickly began to play a more significant role in my life. I think my greatest inspiration at that time was my teammates, who achieved incredible success, and the Polish fencing team was one of the best in the world. The beginnings of my training were very challenging. The level was very high, and I had to balance training with studies and work. There were many moments of doubt, but I’m glad I didn’t give up. The motivation was definitely the noticeable progress and the increasingly better results I was achieving.

What does a typical training day look like before the Paralympic Games in Paris, and how do you balance this with other aspects of your life?

This obviously depends on the training plans. If there are no camps or consultations, a typical training day usually starts with a session with the coach (fencing lesson) in the morning, followed by rehabilitation or general physical training in the afternoon, and fencing training in the evening. Of course, I have other obligations, but I always try to have a structured plan and know what’s a priority. Organization and a “calm mind” are very important, and without them, it would probably be hard to achieve good results on the fencing strips. My wife also helps me a lot, which allows me to focus on what’s most important.

Can you talk about a particularly memorable moment in your Paralympic career? What made it so special or significant?

I think a memorable and pivotal moment in my career was the London 2012 Games. I remember that I barely qualified for them, and my performance was very poor in terms of results. Nevertheless, those Games gave me tremendous motivation and a desire to win. I think something changed in me from then on, and shortly after, I was already number one in the world ranking.

What message or advice would you like to give to aspiring Paralympians and those trying to overcome their own barriers?

Sports require many sacrifices, commitment, and perseverance, but they also provide a lot of joy, and satisfaction, shape character, and develop the body. If someone feels a drive for sports and is persistent, then, as in my case, sports can change life.

What role did the support of family, friends, coaches, and mentors play in your journey?

The support of family and friends was crucial, especially after the accident. My life changed 180 degrees, and I always had someone by my side, which allowed me to spread my wings rather than shut myself in four walls. As for coaches and mentors, I was fortunate to meet the right people along the way.

Why is it important for governments, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations to invest in Paralympic sports, and what can such investments provide?

Investments in Paralympic sports are extremely important for several reasons. Firstly, they promote equality by showing that people with disabilities have the same right to participate in sports and achieve success. Secondly, supporting Paralympians can significantly improve their physical and mental health, giving them motivation for an active lifestyle. Such investments also have a broad social impact. They increase public awareness about disabilities, break stereotypes, and promote tolerance. As a result, society becomes more open and integrated. Investments can also contribute to the development of sports infrastructure accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. For the private sector and non-governmental organizations, supporting Paralympic sports can also bring benefits in terms of a positive image and reputation. It demonstrates a commitment to social actions and can attract clients and partners who value such principles.