Lea Bayekula

Started: She got involved in Para athletics at age 15 after switching from wheelchair basketball. (rtl.be, 08 Dec 2017; Facebook page, 08 May 2017) Reason: She took part in a trial day with the Ligue Handisport Francophone. "I chose athletics for its dynamism but equally for the differences it has with basketball. I like to find myself alone with the road." (Facebook page, 08 May 2017) Additional Info: COMIC BOOK She is the inspiration for the main character in the comic book 'Lea - Roue de secours', which was created by Hans Van de Cauter. The story follows the life of a journalist named Lea, while also highlighting accessibility for people with an impairment in Brussels, Belgium. "I am a fighter and have never let my disability stop me. But not everyone is equally strong. Many people with an impairment stay at home, for fear of the problems they will encounter. I also want to wake them up with this comic. It is important that people with an impairment do not give up until all obstacles have been removed." (hln.be, 04 Nov 2018; ifglobal.org, 12 Apr 2018; bx1.be, 10 Apr 2018) FURTHER EDUCATION She has studied physical education at the Parnasse Institute [ISEI] in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium. (handisport.be, 17 Aug 2020; Athlete, 06 Nov 2019; Facebook profile, 06 Oct 2019) DOCUMENTARIES She is the subject of a documentary called 'Paralympique', which was made by Anouk Ferreira Da Silva and follows her journey to the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. She has also appeared on the Belgian documentary series 'Croire Malgre Tout' [Believe in Spite of Everything]. (catho-bruxelles.be, 19 Oct 2020; wolubilis.be, 03 Oct 2020)