Sprinter. Long Jumper.  Paralympian. World Record Holder.  President of the French National Paralympic Committee (NPC).

Mentored by her older sister, Marie-Amélie Le Fur developed a passion for running at age 6.  She was fast.  She was focused.  She was competitive.  By age 12, she would become a junior running champion in her native France.  A few years later, at the age of 15, she was involved in a serious scooter accident requiring the amputation of her left leg below the knee.  But Marie-Amélie would not be deterred.

“When I had my accident, at the age of 15, it was more than obvious: I had an essential need to resume the sport, because it allowed me to reconnect with my life. Before, it was part of my DNA.”

After 4 months of difficult rehabilitation and with the support and encouragement from family and friends, Marie-Amélie went back to the running track with success.  Her former coach suggested she consider participating in the world of para-athletics.  A year later, she competed in her first Paralympic race.  Since then, Marie-Amélie has become an accomplished athlete and competed in the Paralympic Games, World Championships and European Championships.

Today, as member of Team Össur, Marie-Amélie uses the Flex-Foot Cheetah Xtreme and Iceross Seal-In X5 Liners for the track and Flex-Run with Nike sole for jogging. Her daily foot is Pro-Flex LP Align and Vari-Flex.

“If there any disabled youngsters listening to me out there, who might be dreaming of taking part one day, my advice would be to follow your dreams, work hard, and do your best to make those dreams come true.”

Photo credits: Tuan Nguyen www.ngtuan.com