Could Israel’s next generation of wheelchair athletes emerge from the wounded of war?

The article explores the potential for a new generation of Israeli wheelchair athletes to emerge from the thousands of soldiers wounded in recent conflicts. While seasoned players like Guy Sasson, a successful quad division competitor, and rising star Sergei Lysov represent current talent, the Israel ParaSport Center's executive director, Boaz Kramer, notes that the journey from injury to competitive sport is long. The Defense Ministry reported over 26,000 war-wounded individuals since the Gaza war began, with 97 amputations, suggesting a potential increase in participants for wheelchair sports. Kramer, a two-time Paralympian, believes in sports as a rehabilitation tool but also highlights the increasing competitiveness of Paralympic sports, which he sees as a mixed blessing. He states, "Finally, wheelchair athletes are receiving the recognition, compensation and attention they deserve," but worries that the focus on elite competition might overshadow the importance of participation. Sasson, whose injury occurred in adulthood, acknowledges the difficulty of reaching elite levels, stating, "If you want to be at the top tier, you need talent, discipline, consistency, and a mindset." The article concludes that whether new participants achieve elite status or simply find community and enjoyment, both outcomes will shape the future of Israeli wheelchair sports.