Ahmed Tidiane Diakite

Reason: "Football 5-a-side has helped me become more independent. I feel good on the pitch and I do not feel like I have an impairment. I feel free." (esjparissport.wordpress.com, 24 Jan 2018) Ambition: To win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (actu.fr, 10 Aug 2022) Additional Info: FROM MAURITANIA TO FRANCE Born in Mauritania, he relocated to France at age 29. "When I arrived in France I had to learn all over again. Here, you are taught to become independent. In Mauritania I always depended on my family and I could not live without them. Here I do everything by myself, I don't need anyone." (actu.fr, 10 Aug 2022; Saint Mande Mag, 2021; esjparissport.wordpress.com, 24 Jan 2018)