BEATRICE VIO

"To be special, you need to turn your weakness into the thing you are most proud of."

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Beatrice (Bebe) had always been a formidable fencer. In her teenage years, she got very ill and was fighting for her life. She had contracted meningitis, a severe illness that attacks the brain and spinal cord. To save her, the doctors had to amputate her legs and forearms.

After being in hospital for more than 100 days post surgery, everyone lost hope in her. However, Bebe had a plan. First, she relearned how to walk and other basic actions. Then she strapped her foil to her arm and started training again.

As the only fencer in the world without limbs, Bebe had to invent a technique that would work just for her.

In a few years, with the assistance of 2 teachers, she became a champion. She won the World Cup in Canada, the European Championship in Italy, the World Championship in Hungary and the gold medal at the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Bebe proved that nothing is impossible with a little hope, determination and hard work!