After accident drama at 13 in wheelchair: Swimmer now wins Paralympic medals

A tragic accident once banished Verena Schott to a wheelchair, but her passion for swimming never died.

Paris – It was an ordinary day in 2002 when 13-year-old Verena Schott was hit by a van while riding her bicycle. This accident in her hometown of Greifswald left her partially paralyzed.

But while she was recovering in the hospital, she asked the doctors a crucial question: “Can I swim again?” The new answer was a yes, which gave her the courage to live.

Success in the water despite physical challenges

Schott, who started swimming at the age of eight at Würzener SC, set out on her path at the Leipzig Disabled Sports Club. Her impressive achievements include a silver medal at the 2012 Paralympics in London and three bronze medals in Tokyo 2021. She has also made several world and European championship title mistakes. Her specialty is the 200-meter individual medley, in which she is regularly among the best in the world.

In addition to her sporting career, Schott is the mother of two sons, born in 2011 and 2015. Finding the balance between training and family life requires organization and dedication, a challenge that she masters together with her partner and trainer Maik Zeh. The two consistently separate their roles as parents and as an athlete-trainer duo.

Preparing for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris

Schott is training intensively for the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris and will compete in five disciplines, including 50-meter freestyle and 200-meter individual medley. Despite recent health setbacks, her fighting spirit is undiminished. “Unfortunately, a persistent infection put her out of action for several weeks.” But we have worked our way back up. “She is a competitive type and will hopefully now show what she can do,” explains national base coach Zeh.

Verena Schott's story is one of determination and success, marked by personal and sporting challenges. Her tireless dedication both in the water and in life inspires people around the world and makes her a true Paralympic heroine – and another German swimmer who refuses to give up. (kk)