Szymon Sowiński: Impossible Doesn’t Exist

Can you share your journey to becoming a Paralympic athlete? What inspired you to pursue sports at this level?

My Paralympic journey began after I became disabled due to a traffic accident in 2010. During my prolonged treatment and rehabilitation, I returned to shooting practice, joining a shooting club (before the accident, I had been training in amateur shooting at home). At that time, I wasn’t yet considering competing on international stages. A significant turning point came in 2013 when I participated in my first Polish Disabled People’s Championships, where I won a bronze medal. This achievement led to my inclusion on the national team and provided the opportunity for further development. It was then that I realized I could and wanted to compete with the world’s best athletes. Thanks to diligent work, my skills steadily improved, and I earned a spot at my first Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

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

Every day begins with breakfast, which I prepare the night before. Depending on my schedule and the day of the week, I head to the shooting range for training. Later, I pick up my children from school and kindergarten. In the afternoon, I focus on general development training, stretching, or running. I also visit the physiotherapy office once a week and meet regularly with a sports psychologist. During the pre-competition period, I place a strong emphasis on mental training, visualization, and positive thinking. I strive to balance household duties and sports, and Sundays are reserved for recovery and family time, often spent being active with my children or taking a walk in the forest.

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

One of the most significant moments in my career was at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. I advanced to the final in the air pistol discipline and initially secured a spot in the medal zone. However, my last shot determined that I couldn’t maintain my position, and I finished in fourth place. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate that experience because it not only added to my expertise but also provided positive motivation. In subsequent Games, I finally achieved the coveted Paralympic medal after an exhilarating final where I won two tiebreakers. That day remains the most beautiful of my sporting career. I vividly recall stepping onto the podium and the music that played during the medal ceremony—it was an extraordinary moment.

What message or advice would you like to give to aspiring Paralympic athletes and those looking to overcome their own challenges?

As a Paralympian, I want to convey that “impossible doesn’t exist.” It’s essential to set goals and strive toward them, regardless of the degree of disability. Overcoming barriers can inspire both athletic and personal development, and with determination, each of us can achieve remarkable feats.

What role has support from family, friends, coaches, and mentors played in your journey?

The support of family, friends, coaches, and mentors has been crucial in my journey. I take pride in how my career has unfolded, and every person I’ve had the opportunity to meet holds immense value for me. Coaches, physiotherapists, sports psychologists, general development trainers, and dietitians all contributed to creating the best conditions for my athletic pursuits. However, even with all this support, it’s ultimately the encouragement from my wife and children that gives me purpose in this sport.

Why is it important for governments, the private sector, and NGOs to invest in Paralympic sports, and what impact can such investments have?

Support is essential in helping athletes overcome barriers and various obstacles. It enables them to face the challenges posed by their sporting lives while maintaining balanced development. I believe that witnessing athletes surpass their own limitations is something we all want to see and cheer for. It motivates us to achieve much more in our own lives and continually set new goals. Therefore, I consider Paralympic sports to be the best form of advertisement.