From Accident to Paralympics

Lengyel Mónika’s story is a true inspiration for all of us, as her case exemplifies how to face and overcome life’s difficulties. The young girl, who became paralyzed from the waist down due to a tragic accident, did not give up on her dreams. Through her passion for sports and determination, she not only pushes her personal limits but also sets an example for those in similar situations.

The life-changing accident

The life-altering accident occurred during an early evening car ride when a combination of a tired driver, poor speed choice, and a suddenly appearing tree caused a tragedy. While many people in such events dwell on “what if” questions, Mónika focused on her future and sought out her possibilities.

Returning to an active lifestyle

After returning home from the hospital, Móni understood that she needed an active lifestyle for her rehabilitation. With her mother’s support, she participated in a lifestyle camp organized for people with disabilities, where she discovered how actively people with similar fates live. This experience motivated her to seek out a sport for herself.

Searching for a sport and initial challenges

Starting in the world of sports was not smooth for Mónika. In Győr, where she lives, she couldn’t find any sports facilities that were wheelchair accessible. However, a call from an acquaintance brought new opportunities into her life. The Méhecske Foundation launched adaptive rowing, and although Mónika had never been involved in sports before, this new challenge piqued her interest.

The initial difficulties included getting to know the sport, as Mónika was not a rower before her accident. When taking the first steps, they even struggled with the design of the boat, as there were no established norms for adaptive rowing. Móni did not view these obstacles as stop signs but rather as motivational challenges. It turned out that she was the only one practicing this sport in the country, and since the number of domestic competitions was limited, she often had to gain experience abroad.

Mónika’s perseverance and commitment are exemplary, as after the accident, she not only began to develop in rowing but also continued her studies. She graduated from high school and passed her woodworking vocational exam while finding relaxation in reading science fiction books in her free time.

Continuous development and achieved results

Mónika’s progress in sports has been remarkably rapid, aided by her willpower and persistence. She participated in various international competitions, achieving outstanding placements. At the World Championship in New Zealand, she finished in fourth place, while she brought home two bronze medals from the International Adaptive Competition held in Gavirate. She also produced excellent results at the World Cup in Belgrade, which further boosted her confidence and commitment.

The excitement of the months leading up to the Paralympics only heightened Mónika’s competitive spirit. In the final weeks, she practiced the 1000-meter distance with her coach, which will be her event at the Paralympics. Móni stated that her passion for sports and the experiences gained during training have made her much more confident and significantly improved her independence.

For Móni, the Paralympics is not just a competition; it is also an important milestone in her life. The event will open just as she marks the 7th anniversary of her accident. On this special day, she wishes to showcase not only her athletic performance but also how far she has come in terms of independence and improving her quality of life.

Mónika’s story, therefore, is not just about her successes so far but also about the inner strength that has enabled her to look forward and realize her dreams even in the most challenging times.