1 athlete, 2 sports: My Spina Bifida Story
My name is Sofie, I was born with Spina Bifida. I want to live life to the fullest! That Is what I've been doing for the past 23 years of my life, and will continue to do.
falling in love with sports
At 9 years old, I saw both wheelchair tennis and wheelchair dancing at a sports day and fell in love. From that day I started doing duo (2 wheelchair users) competition dancing in ballroom/ latin style and playing tennis just for fun. At my first competition I placed second! Years passed and the hunger for more came. When I was 17, I learned all about wheelchair tennis competitions and the Paralympic Games! I made another goal, and that is what I've been doing for the past 23 years of my life and will continue to do.
The Road has been difficult, but i will get there eventually
In 2014 I started solo dancing in ballroom-latin and freestyle. I won the bronze medal at my first European Championship that same year! In 2017 I finished the year as 2nd on the world ranking and in wheelchair tennis at the top 100 of the world. I am getting closer and closer to my goal each day. I want to compete at the Paralympic Games in 2020 for wheelchair tennis and win gold at the World Championships in wheelchair dancing!
Tennis gives me the adrenaline I need so bad. Feeling my body work and being pushed it to its’ limit shows everyone that you can do anything you set your mind to! Dancing brings me peace. I feel so relaxed after I’ve danced. It's all about balance and this combination is perfect for me. The road has been hard, having no financial support from federations or sponsors, but I will get there!
I'm finishing my education as an occupational therapist in June and then my real life as an athlete will start! I can't wait!
