Vita Makar: when barriers become a running start

When life sets a high bar, a barrier can sometimes become a running start.

Vita Makar is now 18 years old. She does not wait for tomorrow or better circumstances to experience, learn or explore something new. Her life is in constant motion.

She has tried gymnastics, swimming, basketball, cycling, riding a hoverboard, aerobics, boxing, hiking and running. She does not do so to prove her abilities to others, but because she believes life is made for movement, discovery and new experiences.

For Vita, sport is freedom. Her energy inspired her parents to begin running and taking part in races too, changing the habits of her entire family through her example.

Vita sees four per cent of the world around her. Yet her diagnosis has not become the centre of her life. At its centre are the people she loves, the sport that fulfils her and the desire to make the most of each day.

Running holds a special place in her life. It began with humanitarian races alongside her mother and gradually grew into a great passion. Today, she regularly takes part in races throughout Croatia and wins medals and recognition.

People who know her describe her as cheerful, warm and always ready to help. Her approach to new experiences encourages those around her to believe that more is possible than they thought.

Vita's story is not only about four per cent vision. It is a story of a life filled with kindness, perseverance, courage and a constant desire to keep moving.

The greatest victories are not always measured in medals. Sometimes they are the moments when our example encourages others to believe in themselves and take a step of their own.

Life is here and now. None of us walks alone.