Antonio Flores, a two-time Maltese Paralympian and the country’s first blade runner, recently shared a heartfelt reflection on Facebook following his participation in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. In his post, Flores expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Malta, highlighting the challenges he faced on his journey, particularly the difficulty of finding a coach. Despite these obstacles, he proudly gave his all and now closes this chapter, retiring from competitive sport after 21 years.
Flores emphasized the importance of the Paralympic movement, calling for greater awareness and support for athletes with disabilities. He encouraged sports associations and coaches to fully embrace Paralympic athletes, acknowledging the dedication and potential they bring to the field. Flores also shared the disappointment of being turned away by coaches upon returning to Malta, but remained resilient throughout his career.
In his message, he thanked his family, friends, supporters, the Malta Paralympic Committee, and his sponsor Move Smart – Health & Fitness Club, for their unwavering support. Flores concluded with pride in his accomplishments, stating, “I may not be at the track daily going forward, but I will forever remain a two-time Maltese Paralympian and Malta’s first blade runner.”
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