Broke her back in a crash with a car – found freedom in a new sport

In a story that resonates with the indomitable spirit of human resilience, Nathalie Säfsten, a 36-year-old Swedish woman, is redefining her life after a devastating cycling accident in the Spanish mountains. What began as a training ride with friends turned into a life-altering event when Säfsten collided with an oncoming car, resulting in a catastrophic list of injuries: twelve broken ribs on her right side, a punctured lung, a broken shoulder blade, internal damage to her spleen and liver, and a fractured spine.

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Med sin mentala styrka, sitt mod och sin livsglädje inspirerar hon långt bortom resultaten.

Awakening after four days in a coma, Säfsten was met with a grim prognosis. Yet, even in the face of such adversity, her spirit remained unbroken. Her immediate response to the possibility of permanent paralysis was a determined, "Well, I guess it'll have to be the Paralympics then." This powerful statement encapsulates her unwavering will to find possibilities even when confronted with seemingly insurmountable challenges.

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kanske var jag bäst rustad

Säfsten, who is employed by the Swedish Armed Forces, utilized her training to systematically assess her body's functions upon waking. Her calm and methodical approach, even while experiencing excruciating pain, is a testament to her mental fortitude. She recounts the initial moments of realizing she couldn't feel her legs, calmly instructing bystanders to call an ambulance and not to move her, suspecting a broken back.

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det här var första gången som jag inte ställde mig upp efteråt.

Her journey has been far from easy, marked by ups and downs, but her gratitude for survival has been a constant. While she still requires assistance to stand and walk, Säfsten has regained some mobility. The initial diagnosis, based on the belief of a complete spinal cord injury, has been revised as it became clear her spinal cord is not entirely severed. This news has fueled her determination to continue pushing her limits. Säfsten's story, as reported by Dagens Nyheter, is a profound reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the ability to find new paths to fulfillment, even after life-altering trauma. Her ability to inspire "far beyond the results" is a testament to her courage and unwavering zest for life.

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Det första jag registrerar är att det bubblar ganska mycket i höger lunga, ett typiskt ljud för att man har punkterat lungan.