Five-time Paralympian Loida Zabala Ollero's journey from battling cancer to competing in the Paris Games inspired people and serves as a reminder that simply being alive is, in itself, a precious gift.
by sportswriters Hu Jiali and Liu Yangtao
PARIS, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Five-time Paralympian Loida Zabala Ollero lifted 75kg in her final attempt in the women's up to 50kg event on Thursday, nearly 50kg less than the eventual champion, Venezuela's Clara Sarahy Fuentes Monasterio.
The Porte de La Chapelle Arena erupted in applause as Zabala completed her event. Her flushed cheeks were accompanied by a radiant smile, and tears welled in her eyes. It was clear that she had earned more than just respect from the crowd - she had secured a personal victory far greater than any medal.
37-year-old Zabala is one of Spain's most revered athletes, but this competition held a unique significance. Diagnosed with lung cancer in November 2023, she was not only facing the challenge of powerlifting but also fighting for her life.
A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE
Zabala's life took a drastic turn at age 11 when she was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. Instead of succumbing to her condition, she discovered powerlifting and became the first female Spanish powerlifter to compete in the Paralympic Games in 2008, finishing seventh in the women's up to 48kg event.
Her career thrived as she went on to compete in three more Paralympic Games, achieving her best results with fifth-place finishes at London 2012 and Rio 2016. In September 2022, she reached another milestone by winning gold at the European Open Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia.
"Now we are beginning the Paralympic cycle for Paris 2024, and without a doubt, I would be thrilled to get the gold medal there too," she said two years ago, full of hope and ambition. But life had other plans.
THE BATTLE OF HER LIFE
On October 28, 2023, while working as a teleoperator, Zabala experienced a strange numbness in her left arm and temporarily lost the ability to speak - a moment that led to devastating news. Doctors diagnosed her with lung cancer.
"It was shocking. Difficult to describe in words, but I feel energetic to battle this new challenge of life," Zabala shared on her website. "When you're told you have cancer, you learn how precious time is. Every moment becomes super special."
Even as she underwent treatment, Zabala never gave up on her Paralympic dreams. By March of this year, she was back competing internationally, all while continuing her treatment. During a national para powerlifting competition, she even broke the national record in her category by lifting 76kg.
"I have finally competed in Paris," Zabala said tearfully after Thursday's event. "For me, getting here has been very complicated. At first, cancer even prevented me from losing the weight I needed for competition, but in the end, we made it, and I am so grateful for the gift of life."
MORE THAN AN ATHLETE
Zabala's courage and perseverance have made her a symbol of resilience and hope for many. She runs a foundation dedicated to empowering wheelchair users and supporting athletes with better training resources.
In addition to being an athlete, she is also an actress and public speaker, using her platform to connect with people on an emotional level. She enjoys sharing her daily life, training routines, and life experiences with the world, hoping her optimism will inspire others, especially women.
Her life was featured in a Spanish documentary titled "Fuerza", meaning"force" in English. "Making this documentary was a turning point in my life," she said. "The main message I would like to share with the film is that there are no limits to achieving goals, no matter if you can walk or not."
Her diverse career choices reflect her strong desire to experience different facets of life. "As an athlete, I have to be strong and brave. But as an actress, I can explore other emotions - sadness, anger, vulnerability - feelings I don't usually experience. It makes me feel more human," she once said.
THE POWER OF POSITIVITY
Zabala's life philosophy is simple but profound: "On many occasions, you may receive news that you never expected, like I did with my lung cancer diagnosis. But life still has unexpected gifts to offer. That's why you must live each day to the fullest."
For Zabala, sports have always been more than just competition. They have been her refuge, her motivation, and now a crucial tool in her battle against cancer. "The goal of competing in Paris helped me shift my focus away from cancer," she reflected, explaining how setting that ambitious target gave her strength during her treatment.
Zabala's ultimate victory lies not in medals but in her spirit of perseverance and the inspiring message she shares with the world. "Sometimes we stop fighting for our goals because we think that they are impossible to achieve. But if you are very passionate about something, if you work hard and enjoy the work, you will achieve them for sure," she said.
Her journey serves as a reminder that simply being alive is, in itself, a precious gift. ■
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