From small town to Paralympics
Ronny Persson
My name is Ronny Persson, born and raised in Kramfors in the High Coast area, Västernorrland . In my 20s, my life changed after a fall accident, and I started using a wheelchair.
After a few cautious years in my new life situation, during which I tried different jobs and various sports, my future began to take shape.
This opened up two new paths for me: alpine skiing – specifically sit-skiing. When I started to focus more on it, I realized there were not many good training opportunities in Sweden. Then I was offered a place to train in the United States, and I decided to take the chance and move to Colorado. I ended up staying for seven seasons.
I spent my winters in Colorado and my summers at Panthera in Spånga.
Helping people find the right wheelchair model and the right accessories and the optimal "set-up" for that particular individual quickly became more than a job. It became a way to make a real difference. Going home after a day's work and feeling and knowing that you have made a difference in someone's life is very satisfying. It simply feels "good" in your heart.
When Panthera later joined Permobil, I continued the same journey - with the same passion.
After many injuries, I ended my alpine career and after a few inactive years found a new home in wheelchair curling, Quickly it became "all-in" there too. I mean that there was a great focus on the new sport and I quickly set high goals and these goals have taken me to several Paralympics (2018, Pyengchang and 2022 Beijing) Now it will be the third time I have the honor of representing Sweden in the Paralympics.
The opening of the Paralympics is March 6th and we have the first match 7th in the morning against our neighbours Norway.
Written by: Ronny Persson
Job title: Sales Representative, Permobil
Country: Sweden
Hobby: Alpine skiing and wheelchair curling