Arz Zahreddine

Started: He began fencing at age seven, and got involved in Para athletics at age 19 in Lebanon. (Athlete, 07 Nov 2019) Reason: He was a promising fencer when he was younger. However, he discovered that he would have to compete in a wheelchair if he wished to represent Lebanon in the sport at the Paralympic Games, so he decided to switch to athletics and compete in sprinting. "It was a personal challenge and I wanted to make a change in the sport's history." (Athlete, 07 Nov 2019; arabic.cnn.com, 21 Feb 2019; Track and Field Society Facebook page, 02 Oct 2018; sports-961.com, 13 Apr 2016) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (thisisbeirut.com.lb, 06 Feb 2024) Milestones: He was Lebanon's only representative in any sport at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. (SportsDeskOnline, 13 Aug 2024) Awards: He was Lebanon's flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (medias.paris2024.org, 28 Aug 2024) Additional Info: EARLY DAYS He worked with a psychologist as a child because he struggled to accept his impairment. "I was growing up without a leg, and I started asking myself why. Why was I not like the other kids? It was a very bitter feeling. I went to a psychologist but I couldn't speak up because I wasn't at ease. Sport was my only getaway. It helped me ease my pain and overcome difficulties. I was able to walk, play, and enjoy my time like everyone else." (Track and Field Society Facebook page, 02 Oct 2018)