There are men and women whose meandering lives are an example to us all, giving us strength and hope. Such is the case of Malo Marsac, a crossfitter from Bordeaux whose life was turned upside down nearly four years ago when he lost the use of his legs.
On his Instagram account, Malo reveals his daily life as a wheelchair-bound man and athlete. His photos and videos are accompanied by messages recounting the hardships he has overcome and the challenges that lie ahead. These personal messages give us a glimpse of a courageous, resilient man of great strength, who doesn’t let life’s twists and turns get him down, thanks in no small part to CrossFit®.
For Hustle Up, Malo kindly agreed to talk about the episode that changed his life forever, and how CrossFit®, a real therapy, helps him on a daily basis.
My life changed during the Covid-19 vaccination campaign. After the second injection of the vaccine, I contracted myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord. When I left hospital, I had to relearn how to live and, above all, accept my new life in a wheelchair.
I overcame this ordeal thanks to those close to me, especially my family, who are always there for me. Sport has also helped me, and helps me every day, in my reconstruction, particularly CrossFit®.Since my accident, my relationship with CrossFit® has changed. Today, it’s an integral part of my identity.
I’ve played basketball, tennis and handbike, and for a long time I was looking for a sport in which I could transcend myself. I found it in CrossFit®. I’m passionate about this sport, it allows me to escape, to feel like I’m not letting go of anything. When I go to the box, I leave my problems behind. For me, CrossFit® is a way of letting off steam: I put my brain down, forget everything and give it my all.
For 9 months now, I’ve been working with the coaches at 2S2P and CrossFit® Kryos, and now at 6/23 Training Club. Alongside them, I’m learning the movements of CrossFit® Adaptive, a discipline that adapts to every handicap.
I’m making progress every day and, above all, I can see the benefits of this sport on my body and mind. Benefits in my daily life. I’m much better at coping with stress, especially when I have to move from my wheelchair to my sofa and vice versa.
At CrossFit®, I’ve found a lot of caring, open-minded people, and I feel surrounded. Doing a WOD surrounded by people who aren’t disabled gives me strength. I feel like I’m just like everyone else.
I’m just starting to take part in CrossFit® competitions. My dream is to take part in the CrossFit® Games and do well there. That’s my goal and I’m training for it.
Disability brings a lot of constraints, but also opportunities and new goals. Taking part in CrossFit® competitions is one of them.
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