Rohan Chowdhury in Paris
The famous saying, “Where there is a will, there is a way,” resonates deeply in a world where people often give up too easily. Yet, stories like that of Thomas Wandschneider’s remind us of the power of perseverance. Competing in the Paris Paralympics at nearly 61 years old, he represents Germany in the wheelchair badminton (WH1) men’s singles. Though one of the oldest participants, his story is about much more than age — it’s about resilience, passion, and an indomitable will.
Wandschneider began his badminton journey in 2000, at the age of 37, when most athletes are nearing the end of their careers. What prompted him to take up the sport so late in life? A devastating accident that nearly claimed his life.
Doctors predicted he would never return to normalcy and might only have four to five years left to live in such a state. “I said to myself: ‘No! I had to live and get fitter.’ That’s when I started playing badminton,” Wandschneider revealed in an exclusive conversation with RevSportz.
Since that pivotal moment, Wandschneider has been relentless in his training. “I train five days a week, never taking weekends or holidays,” he shared. At an age where many might shy away from the demands of sport, Wandschneider’s commitment to his rigorous daily routine sets him apart. His discipline, passion, and determination to maintain such a demanding schedule are truly remarkable.
“Monday to Friday, I stay in my car,” he elaborated. Each Sunday evening, he drives his caravan from home to his training camp, where he immerses himself in what he calls ‘concentration.’ Training begins at 8:30 a.m. on Mondays and continues until 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch, rest, and physiotherapy. The training resumes in the afternoon and lasts until 5 p.m. “This is a normal day in my life,” Wandschneider said, outlining his weekly routine. After Friday’s session, he returns to his family, only to begin the cycle anew the following Sunday night.
Unsurprisingly, Wandschneider possesses a strong mentality. When asked how he mentally prepares himself, he responded, “Whenever I am playing the sport, I give my hundred per cent to it. This is my mentality.” However, his dedication does come with a personal cost. “My family gets angry at me sometimes because I don’t get much time with them,” he admitted with a laugh, referring to his wife, four children, and two grandchildren.
Despite this, his family must be proud of their super grandpa, competing at the Paralympics. Over his 24-year career, Wandschneider has won nearly 20 European Championships and five World Championships. A Paralympic medal, which has only become possible after his event was introduced in Tokyo in 2021, would complete his impressive collection. “I wish I can make it this time to the podium,” he said.
Wandschneider’s legacy extends beyond his inspiring comeback from a life-threatening accident to becoming a world champion in wheelchair badminton. He is also dedicated to bringing positive change to society. An economist by profession, he now owns a unique business in Spain. “I buy houses and renovate those to disability-friendly accommodations for tourists with disabilities,” he explained, describing the work he has been doing for the last nine years.
Despite his age, Wandschneider has no plans to retire. “I don’t know,” he answered when asked about retirement. “Till my body permits, I will carry on playing.”
Wandschneider’s story is one of extraordinary inspiration, proving that a champion’s spirit is defined not by medals, but by the ability to overcome life’s greatest obstacles with an attempt to bring a positive change to society.
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