Manashimaya
In the world of Paralympic sports, few athletes are as revered as Ryadh Sallem. With an extraordinary journey that spans decades and defies the odds, Sallem’s life story is one of resilience, triumph, and the transformative power of sport. As he prepares to compete in his sixth Paralympic Games in Paris, the sentiment behind his words, “Ryadh Sallem: ‘When you put sport and disability together, there is a spark, an electricity’” resonates more than ever.
Born in the coastal town of Monastir, Tunisia, Ryadh Sallem faced unimaginable challenges from the start. He was born with no legs, no left hand, and a malformation of his right hand, a result of his mother taking thalidomide, a drug that caused thousands of birth defects globally. Yet, despite these overwhelming odds, Sallem has not only survived but thrived, becoming one of France’s most beloved and accomplished Paralympians. His life and career stand as a testament to his belief that “Ryadh Sallem: ‘When you put sport and disability together, there is a spark, an electricity’”.
At the age of two, Sallem’s journey took a pivotal turn when his grandfather, a war veteran, urged his parents to take him to France for better medical care. This decision led to Sallem spending nearly 20 years in a hospital rehabilitation centre near Paris, where he underwent numerous surgeries and adapted to life with his disabilities. It was here that sport became a central part of his life, offering an outlet for his energy and a means to connect with the world beyond the hospital walls. This early experience laid the foundation for Sallem’s future belief that “Ryadh Sallem: ‘When you put sport and disability together, there is a spark, an electricity’”.
Sallem’s first foray into competitive sports was as a swimmer, where he quickly made a name for himself by breaking the world record for the 400m individual medley in 1991. This achievement was just the beginning of a career that would see him excel in multiple sports, including wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby. Each sport required him to adapt his techniques and push the boundaries of what was considered possible for someone with his physical limitations. This adaptability and relentless pursuit of excellence exemplify the spark and electricity that Sallem believes is created when sport and disability come together.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Ryadh Sallem’s career is his ability to reinvent himself across different sports. After his success in swimming, Sallem turned his attention to wheelchair basketball, a sport he had long admired from afar. Despite being told that he would need full hands to play, Sallem found inspiration in circus jugglers and taught himself to juggle the ball, eventually becoming one of the first wheelchair basketball players without two full hands. This ingenuity and determination underscore the truth in the statement “Ryadh Sallem: ‘When you put sport and disability together, there is a spark, an electricity’”.
Sallem’s journey in wheelchair rugby is equally inspiring. Known for its intensity and physicality, wheelchair rugby is often described as a gladiator sport, and Sallem embraced it with the same passion and dedication that had defined his earlier sporting endeavours. Competing in the London and Rio Paralympics, he brought a warrior’s spirit to the court, demonstrating once again that the combination of sport and disability can create something truly powerful and electrifying. As he prepares for his final Paralympic appearance in Paris, Sallem sees it as a “rendezvous with destiny”, a fitting culmination of a career that has inspired countless others.
In addition to his sporting accomplishments, Ryadh Sallem has pushed for disability rights and awareness using his platform. He started his organization to encourage inclusivity, and he frequently gives speeches at schools to inform the next generation about disabilities. His message is straightforward but profound: diversity should be cherished rather than ignored in an enlightened, civilized community. More than just a comment about athletics, “Ryadh Sallem: ‘When you put sport and disability together, there is a spark, an electricity'” is a call to action for society to embrace diversity and create an atmosphere where everyone may succeed, regardless of their skills.
Sallem’s advocacy is deeply personal. He understands the challenges faced by those with disabilities, not just in sports but in everyday life. He recalls how, as a young adult, the transition from the structured environment of the medical centre to the outside world was brutal. The values and ideals he had been taught often clashed with the harsh realities of society. Yet, it was the sport that helped him navigate this difficult transition, providing a space where he was valued for his physical abilities rather than defined by his disabilities. This experience reinforces the idea that “Ryadh Sallem: ‘When you put sport and disability together, there is a spark, an electricity’”.
Looking ahead to the Paris Paralympics, Sallem hopes the Games will leave a lasting legacy not just in terms of infrastructure and accessibility but also in changing societal attitudes towards disability. He envisions a culture of kindness and inclusion, where people with disabilities are not sidelined but embraced as part of the community. The phrase “Ryadh Sallem: ‘When you put sport and disability together, there is a spark, an electricity’” encapsulates this vision, highlighting the transformative power of sport to bring about positive change in both individuals and society as a whole.
In reflecting on his illustrious career, one of Sallem’s most cherished memories is playing a wheelchair rugby match against Great Britain on his birthday during the London 2012 Paralympics. As the stadium erupted into a spontaneous rendition of “Happy Birthday”, Sallem was overwhelmed with emotion. It was a moment that captured the magic and camaraderie of the Paralympic spirit, a moment where “Ryadh Sallem: ‘When you put sport and disability together, there is a spark, an electricity’” was vividly brought to life.
As Ryadh Sallem approaches the Paris Paralympics, his legacy is already secure. He is not just an extraordinary athlete but also a tireless advocate for disability rights and inclusion. His belief that“Ryadh Sallem: ‘When you put sport and disability together, there is a spark, an electricity’” has been the guiding force in his life, inspiring others to see the potential within themselves and the power of sport to transcend barriers. Whether on the court or in the community, Sallem continues to light the way for future generations of Paralympians and anyone who believes in the power of perseverance and the human spirit.
