With the arrival of 2025, excitement buzzes through the Paralympic community as champions reflect on their goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. The dawn of this New Year serves as the perfect opportunity for athletes to carve out their aspirations, especially with the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games on the horizon.
Giacomo Bertagniolli, who successfully clinched the gold medal at the last Paralympic Games for Para alpine skiing, shared his ambition: "My 2025 resolutions: I want to prepare as best I can for the upcoming Paralympic season. Each race will serve as rigorous training to bolster my skills. I feel confident I can still improve significantly before heading to Milano Cortina." His focus reveals the high stakes leading up to the Winter Games, highlighting the fervor athletes maintain as they critique their performances and set goals for improvement.
Fellow competitors have also opened up about their aspirations. Members of the Para ice hockey team expressed their hopes for personal and collective growth: "Each of us sees the next twelve months as the final stretch before the Games. We will be training with real urgency, striving to meet our full potential," noted one athlete, reflecting on the collaborative energy within their team. It’s clear they are excited about participating in the upcoming World Championships as well, which are viewed as stepping stones toward their Olympic feats.
Taekwondo champions aren't holding back either, with one athlete sharing, "I want to be kinder to myself and socialize more." This resolution speaks volumes about the transformative power of empathy and outreach within the competitive sphere. Athletes like this are aware of the importance of balance beyond their sport, emphasizing mental health as possibly their most significant resolution.
Similarly, another wheelchair rugby player stated, "I want to earn extensive playing time at many international tournaments and hang out with my friends as well." This highlights the struggle athletes often face between the demands of their sport and social connections. Connections like friendship often slip through the cracks during intensive training and competitions.
Paralympic athlete Carina Edlinger seemed to resonate with the mindset theme, declaring, "I want to work with the strength I gained from 2024." She recognizes the synergy between persistence and mental fortitude, practical lessons gleaned not only from sports but daily life. Her thoughts remind other competitors of the resilient mindset needed to excel.
Shifting gears, Hirander Misra, Chairman & CEO of GMEX Group, warmly greeted his clients, partners, and employees, saying: "Wishing you all a Happy New Year 2025, filled with new opportunities and success." His message emphasizes innovation and collaboration, underscoring the essence of teamwork, whether it be on the sports field or within corporate ventures.
Meanwhile, the KSP Reportages and Kartcom team also extended their wishes for 2025, stating: "We hope you had a wonderful festive season with family and friends. May this new year be synonymous with pleasure, thrills, and success, both on the track and beyond!" Their resolution reflects the communal spirit of celebration and commitment to their audience after covering intense karting events throughout 2024.
The narratives from these steadfast athletes and leaders conjure up visions of aspirations not merely limited to personal success but also focused on uplifting others. They will leave no stone unturned as they fine-tune their skills and relationships over the next year, leading to the ultimate test at the Paralympics.
One overarching theme arises: 2025 embodies the year not only for preparation but for heartfelt resolutions, underscoring equality, kindness, and the fundamental importance of teamwork. Whether on or off the field, these Paralympic champions reveal the transformative power of New Year resolutions, foretelling the challenges and triumphs they will likely witness this year. With tales of determination, camaraderie, and kindness echoing through the Paralympic community, all eyes are set on the extraordinary adventures to come. And as they prepare, it becomes clear: the heart of the Paralympic spirit remains undiminished, inspiring generations to come.