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Manuel Mateo Bortuzzo, 25, from Trieste, Italy, is an inspirational symbol of resilience and determination in the world of sports. A 2024 Paralympic medal-winning swimmer, Manuel’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Before 2020, Manuel was a rising star in Italian swimming. A competitor for Team Veneto and later the prestigious Aurelia Nuoto Club in Rome, where he quickly gained recognition for his strength and speed as an able-bodied swimmer. Specializing in middle-distance freestyle events, Manuel’s dedication paid off early. In 2015, he gained the Italian record for 3,000 meters, solidifying his status as a young athlete and the one to watch.

Manuel’s focus was soon on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, until February 3, 2019, when a life-changing event threatened to shatter his dreams.

A tragic shooting left him paralyzed from the waist down, an incident that could have crushed anyone’s spirit. Instead, Manuel embraced the challenge with determination. He returned to the water almost immediately, using swimming as part of his rehabilitation.

Manuel’s story captured the hearts of people across Italy and beyond. Despite the intense media coverage of his injury and the diagnosis of paralysis, what resonated most was his unwavering positivity.

Through rigorous training including gym work, and consistent swimming, Manuel showed the world that his courage was just as powerful as his athleticism. His recovery process became a beacon of hope for many, proving that the mind and spirit can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

His resilience and dedication resulted in a triumphant moment at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where he claimed a bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke SB4. This victory comes after years of relentless hard work and determination.

Manuel penned an autobiography in 2019 entitled “Rinascere” in which he details his life since the shooting. He has since released another book in 2024 “Soli nella tempesta. Disciplina e armonia per affrontare le battaglie della vita”. He supports many philanthropic ventures and charities across a variety of causes.

He rose further in media notoriety when he featured on Italy’s Celebrity Big Brother in 2023.

Today, he continues to be driven by an active lifestyle.

Manuel chose the Küschall Champion SK (Swiss Knife) wheelchair, for its high quality and discreet design. He told us he loved the compactness and wanted a chair that fits seamlessly into his dynamic world. Foldable to the size of a backpack, the Küschall Champion SK is easy to transport and store, allowing Manuel the freedom to live independently and to keep pushing boundaries, whether in the pool or beyond.

His story is a true account of commitment, proving that no matter the obstacles, dreams are always within reach if you have the heart and drive to chase them.