Paralympics 2024: Bebe Vio – Why an Italian is the biggest star of the games

If there is one athlete who can call herself a real world star at the Paralympics in Paris these days, it is the Italian wheelchair fencer Beatrice Maria Vio Grandis – Bebe Vio for short. The two-time Paralympic champion was already on the catwalk at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in July. On Wednesday, the 27-year-old was even allowed to carry the torch at the start of the Paralympics. The French organizers were keen to have Vio there – because of her global commitment to inclusion.

With her life story and her social commitment, the athlete, who has an arm and leg amputation, has been moving the whole world for many years. In 2017, she was elected “Knight of the Italian Republic” due to her sporting successes. Vio now has over 1.3 million followers on Instagram alone. Even superstars such as Lionel Messi and former US President Barack Obama are deeply impressed by the Italian’s will to survive when they meet her in person.

At the age of 15, she was already a torchbearer and sporting talent at the Paralympics in London. “There were so many Paralympic athletes,” she says in the moving Netflix documentary “Rising Phoenix,” “and I fell in love with them. Because when you see these athletes, you want to know what their story is, why they are in a wheelchair or have no legs.”

Only through the amputations could Vio be saved

Vio, who learned to fence at the age of five, has never lost her curiosity. This is one of the reasons why she can tell so vividly about her own misfortunes. At the age of eleven, the world and European champion suffered severe meningitis, an inflammation of the brain membrane that caused an extensive infection. First, both of her forearms were amputated, and a few weeks later, both of her legs. This was the only way the little girl’s life could be saved.

But we thought that Vio would let such blows of fate set her back, but we were very wrong. “Bad things happen,” says the para-fencer looking back, “you can cry and complain every day that you no longer have legs or arms.” Or you can look on the bright side.”

Vio radiated this impressive optimism shortly after the amputations. After 100 days in hospital, she immediately went back to school and completed rehabilitation and physiotherapy with the same determination and strong spirit for which she is still admired around the world today. Just one year after her illness, she was competing again thanks to a prosthesis specially designed for the foil – and winning.

“I have these new legs,” she says with a smile, “and I love them. I can run faster now, I can wear high heels without hurting. And I have no problem flying economy class because of my legroom.” But it wasn’t just her life that changed fundamentally. Her parents have also devoted themselves to inclusion since their daughter became ill.

When the family calls for a fundraising gala in Milan, the stars of the fashion capital come. In one evening, Vio, who also acts as a presenter, raises more money for poorer para-athletes than other disability associations have available for an entire year. “Everything that comes with sport,” she says, “makes people happy.” My family’s mission is to bring my happiness to all people who should be happier.”

Even more admirable: Despite all the social and media efforts, Vio is still a world-class fencer. In Paris next Wednesday, the only thing that counts for her is defending her title. “Some say that being here is already a victory.” “That you have already won something just by taking part,” she explains in her equipment supplier’s latest commercial. “But for me it is clear: only a victory is really a victory.” Bebe Vio won her greatest victory 16 years ago. ..