Marian Kureja

Started: He took up Para athletics in 2012 in Slovakia. (Athlete, 20 Aug 2018; emsbb.sk, 01 Apr 2017) Reason: Before his accident he was a competitive javelin thrower. He initially took up Para table tennis following his accident, but later returned to athletics. "I started with table tennis in Zarnovica [in Slovakia] and that helped me a lot. My arms improved, my torso improved, I strengthened, I got to move. In addition, I met many people in a similar situation to me and I gained a lot from that. When I tried Para athletics, I liked it and I stayed with it. So I went back to throwing and it brought me back to the sport." (sport.aktuality.sk, 10 Feb 2021; Athlete, 20 Aug 2018; Facebook profile, 11 Mar 2016; nasabystrica.sme.sk, 10 Feb 2009) Awards: He was named the 2018 Para Athlete of the Year in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia. (sme.sk, 28 Mar 2019) Additional Info: COACH AND PARTNER His partner Jana Sucikova has served as his coach. The pair met at a rehabilitation centre in Kovacova, Slovakia. "We met when I was already in a wheelchair. She is my biggest fan. She is the person who helps me get up every morning. She is my everything. She is also part of my training. She has her own impairment, and goes to the gym and sees a physical therapist to keep her condition from getting worse. That's why we are both active in sports." (Facebook profile, 15 Mar 2023; takurcitee.sk, 14 Feb 2023)