In 2017, Angelino Zeller crashed while paragliding. Since then, the Styrian has been in a wheelchair. But that doesn’t stop him from delivering top performances. He is world champion in paraclimbing and wants to go even higher.
All eyes are on him. You really don’t see something like this every day. When Angelino Zeller conquers the climbing wall at the “City Adventure Center” in Graz, he does it without using his legs. Because he can’t anymore. “It was in 2017 while paragliding on the Schöckl: my glider crashed and I fell from 20 meters,” the extreme athlete recalls the gust of wind that was his downfall.
He wants to make the best of his crash
The Gratkorner was too deep for the rescue parachute. But just when others were likely to break down — rehab in Tobelbad, upcoming surgeries, knowing you can’t walk — Angelino quickly found new courage. “Of course, when you hear all this, it’s not without it, but I’ve never fallen into a hole. My grandparents, parents, everyone immediately had the attitude that you have to make the best of it now.” That’s what Angelino does every day, he surfs, kayaks, manages his daily life.
And of course he climbs. In the “City Adventure Center” in front of the press even with the wheelchair dangling from his body. “I was then taking part in an inclusion climbing event, suddenly climbers from the national paraclimbing team approached me and invited me to Innsbruck for training.” He quickly became part of the team – two years later he won his first world title.
Two-time world champion with big plans
The “traction machine”, as trainer Alex Guster nicknamed him, is already a two-time world champion, number one in the association, multiple World Cup winner and tours from Salt Lake City, France to Moscow. 2022 was a special autumn: a TV team accompanied Zeller to the Valle d’Aosta in Italy – on difficult rock tours.
However, the “top” has not yet been reached. “I can get even stronger,” grins Angelino, who wants to try the toughest possible tours in his life. The direct goal is the 2023 World Cup in Bern. The 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles is also a topic for the cheerleader, which is now supported by well-known sponsors. There is even a movie about him (“No Straight Lines”). “I am now climbing above the level of difficulty that I climbed before my accident,” said the 25-year-old, who was told immediately after the accident that he should not have any feeling in his legs at all.
Nothing is impossible for the extreme athlete
“But after a few weeks, the muscles started to shake again. This was inexplicable to everyone. I can lift my feet again, but it’s not enough to stand or walk.” However. Because nothing seems impossible to Angelino Zeller. “Even though the situation seems so hopeless, there is a solution for everything!”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
