When you are born with a disability, sometimes it can spur you to work extra hard for something. That is the case with Jonas Jacobsson. The man was paralysed from waist down since the day he was born. But what he achieved by beating the odds was remarkable.
Jonas has taken part in 9 consecutive Paralympic Games between 1980 to 2012. And what he has achieved in this period is something that can be written in history as just amazing. Even able-bodied athletes will be envious of this feat.?
He represented Sweden in shooting and pretty much became the pride of the nation. Over the period he took part in the Paralympic Games, the man won as many as 30 medals. No, it is no joke. Now that is an average of over 3 medals per edition.?
Out of the 30, 17 were gold while there were 4 silver along with 9 bronze. Now that is something to write home about. Jonas' disability became his inspiration to be something more and that is what he became.?
His success is also an inspiration to other budding para athletes. If he can do it, so can they and it is something to look up to.?
It's been some time that he has left the sport, but Sweden has not forgotten his contribution. In 2008 he he became the first athlete with a physical disability to receive the Svenska Dagbladet Gold Medal, Sweden's most significant sports award. No mean feat indeed.?
He ranks right up there with the all-time greats and why not? He deserves every bit of the praise he is getting. Jonas has earned his way to the top and he reaped the benefits of his hard work on the international stage. The fact that he is disabled makes his success all the more special.?
Para athletes have to put in that much more extra effort. Jonas is an example of that and his victory at the shooting range was a win in life as well. ??