– After my emotions and adrenaline subsided, it hit me like a tsunami that I can never walk again, Justin Phongsavanh (27) tells news. The American had his future plan ready. He was to train to become an electrician, have two children, a wife and a house. He was going to live the American dream. But the 27-year-old’s life was never like that. Although the seriousness was immediate One late October evening in 2015 in the state of Iowa in the USA, Justin Phongsavanh, who was then 18 years old, and his friend were going to McDonald’s after work. In the car park after the two had bought their food, a strange man appeared outside his car. Phongsavanh said that the person was clearly angry and suddenly pointed a gun at his head. He tried to calm the man down, but was shot in the arm after a brief confrontation. The bullet lodged in his spine and he soon realized what had happened. – After I was shot, I knew immediately that I was paralyzed. The first reaction that went through my body was fear. TOUGH: The road back was long and hard, according to Justin Phongsavanh. Photo: Private – I felt dangerous Phongsavanh’s life was turned upside down. The 18-year-old was suddenly paralyzed from the waist down. Where life would go next was uncertain, and Phongsavanh had a hard time with the new lifestyle. But five months later, he felt the urge to do something. With a background in the world of athletics, Phongsavanh wanted to try to compete again. – I was bored sitting at home and decided to contact my local adaptive sports club. They were knowledgeable and able to get me started on my Paralympic journey. He had tried everything within athletics before the incident apart from a practice. It would turn out to be something he mastered very well. – In 2018, I wanted to become a spear specialist. It was the only sport I never knew how to do, and it was the biggest challenge for me. I then decided to specialize in javelin throwing. STRAP TIGHT: Justin Phongsavanh competes in the F54 javelin throw class, which is for seated athletes. Photo: private And it didn’t take long before the 27-year-old got a feel for the branch. – After seeing the spear being thrown, I think it looked sexy and dangerous. So after I threw, I felt dangerous. Since then it has been me and the spear. With the world record in his pocket, he is ready to set the list high again – and top the third place from the Games in Tokyo in 2021. You can follow the Paralympic Games from Wednesday 28 August to Sunday 8 September on NRK1 and news Radio. – The goal is gold. The parachutist says that the incident has given him a greater perspective for things that he previously might have taken for granted in life. DEVELOPMENT: How it started and where we are now, wrote Justin Phongsavanh on this post from Instagram in 2020. Photo: private – It has given me insight, a greater sense of responsibility and the ability to compete at the Paralympic Games and represent my country at one of the biggest sports scenes in the world. Now he is ready to give everything to have the gold medal around his neck after the Games in Paris. – The goal for Paris is a gold medal and hopefully a record in the Paralympic Games, because I am a competitor and not a participant. Phongsavanh participates on Friday 6 September in the Paralympics on NRK1 and news Radio. Full cheers when Ødegaard commented on the baby news 00:50 Grandmother in tears after bronze medal 00:49 Competitors get help before the start: – It doesn’t get more beautiful 00:46 Shocked by what the Olympic winner says about the muffin 01:18 Show more Published 05.09.2024 , at 20.13
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Justin Phongsavanh was shot at McDonald’s and became paralyzed – Paralympics Paris 2024
