When things get harder, Mateja grows the most

“When things get harder, I don't give up at the first bend. That is when I grow the most and discover how strong I truly am.” These are not the words of a motivational speaker. They are the words of Mateja Žugec.

At just 13 years old, an error during surgery left her unable to walk. In a single moment, she lost the ability to walk, but not her dreams.

Today, she trains in two sports—para table tennis and powerlifting bench press. In para table tennis, she has won seven medals, including two bronze medals and a silver at national championships. She finished fourth at the most recent national championship.

In powerlifting bench press, she has competed at two national championships. She won gold both times and became Croatian national champion in the up-to-52-kilogram category for athletes with disabilities.

After one competition, she wrote: “Every obstacle carries a lesson, and every fall is an opportunity to rise stronger and wiser than before. That is why the greatest victory is not giving up on yourself and your dreams, even when things are difficult.”

Those words describe how Mateja approaches her journey. She is not looking for pity. She is looking for an opportunity to continue training, competing and living her dream.

Behind every medal are hours of training, travel, equipment, expert coaches and considerable sacrifice. Her parents still cover a large share of those costs. Support can reduce those barriers and make Mateja's path towards her greatest dream—competing at the Paralympic Games—easier.

That is why we walk for Mateja and for everyone who, when faced with barriers, chooses to believe in themselves each day. Our step can become part of their journey.

Will we be part of Mateja's journey together? None of us walks alone.