Paralympic champion Edith Wolf-Hunkeler retires

Swiss wheelchair racer and eight-time Paralympic medallist has retired from professional racing due to health problems 19 Mar 2015
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Edith Wolf-Hunkeler of Switzerland competes at the London 2012 Paralympic Games

Edith Wolf-Hunkeler of Switzerland competes at the London 2012 Paralympic Games

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By Swiss Wheelchair Sport Federation

The Swiss Wheelchair Sport Federation (Rollstuhlsport Schweiz, RSS) has announced that Edith Wolf-Hunkeler, one of the country’s most successful para-athletes, has retired due to health problems.

Since 1998, the 42-year-old T54 wheelchair racer has participated in three Paralympic Games and four World Championships. During this time she won an impressive eight Paralympic Games and 15 world championships medals.

After taking a year off from competitive sport in 2014 because of problems with her sphenoid bone, she was hoping to make her comeback in 2015.

“I hoped that the break would be beneficial for me and I wanted to be back pain free in 2015 and ready for the World Championships,” she said.

But Wolf-Hunkeler realised that the constant pain she felt in her cheeks made it impossible for her to train on a professional and high level.

“The sport means a lot to me but health is the basis for my life. So I have now decided to step back from competitive sports.”

Ruedi Spitzli of the Swiss Wheelchair Sport Federation said: “Edith Wolf-Hunkeler has been a role model for many young paraplegics in Switzerland. Her career demonstrates what you can reach with willpower, courage and persistence.

“Her retirement will leave a big gap not only in sport.”