Ekler, the Paralympic, world and European champion, is in unusual company by being among the top six candidates in the Para-athlete of the Year category at the Laureus Award, which will be presented on April 22 in Madrid. The prize, which has existed since 2000, has been won by tennis players the most times – four times. This year’s gala will include, among others, the 24-time Grand Slam winner Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, the Norwegian football player who won Manchester City’s World Cup, or the three-time Formula 1 world champion, the Dutchman
Luca Ekler at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. Photo: MTI/Szilárd Koszticsák
“It’s a huge honor to be nominated, and it’s hard to imagine that I will be among so many world stars,” Luca Ekler told our newspaper.
There has not yet been a Hungarian award winner, but in 2006 the paralympic silver and bronze medalist wheelchair fencer Zsuzsanna Krajnyák was also among the best in the same category. In 2000, Gabriella Szabó, an athlete of Hungarian origin, competing in Romanian colors, placed in the top three in the women’s field, while in 2019, a Hungarian alpine skier, Henrietta Farkasova, competing in Slovak colors, also won the award, also in the parasport category.
Ekler added that he is looking forward to the day when he can meet the aforementioned athletes. “The candidates from the other categories are incredible examples to me,” said the 25-year-old athlete, who won three gold and one silver medals at last year’s Para-Athletics World Championships, and also set world records in the 200- and 400-meter sprint. Ekler this year will travel to the Paralympics in Paris as the defending champion, where he will compete in the long jump, 100 and 400 meters.
Luca Ekler does not talk regarding the number of medals before Paris
– Together with my coach, László Szalma, we will do everything for success. The two hundred meters is not included in the program of the Paralympics, but I want to achieve the best possible result in the long jump and the sprint numbers, but at the same time I will not say the exact ranking regarding my goals and the number of medals – indicated the athlete, who suffered a stroke in 2009, as a result of which his left side was paralyzed. After gradual physiotherapy and physiotherapy treatment, his condition began to improve, and now the visible symptoms remain on his left hand.
The Hungarian athlete enjoys interacting with young people. Photo: MTI/Szilárd Koszticsák
Finally, the Paralympic champion mentioned that it is important for him to be in contact with young people, and he regularly gives lectures in elementary schools.
“Children are the most appreciative audience.” They ask a lot of interesting questions and it is very good to talk with them regarding the everyday difficulties and successes of disabled people. I think it is important for young people to get to know these topics as soon as possible – stressed Ekler.
