Anna Płoszyńska is a truly inspirational figure, embodying strength, determination, and grace in everything she does. As a proud member of the ParaSwimming Team Poland and II Vice Miss Wheelchair World 2022, Anna has proven that no obstacle is too great to overcome. Her journey, both as an athlete and a beauty queen, is a testament to her resilience and unwavering commitment to living life without limits.
In this exclusive interview, Anna Płoszyńska opens up about the challenges she faced when she began her path as a Paralympic swimmer and how winning the title of Miss Wheelchair World has changed her life. Anna’s passion for swimming, combined with her incredible mental and physical strength, has allowed her to push beyond her boundaries and inspire countless others to do the same.
Throughout this captivating conversation, Anna shares the values that have shaped her outlook on life after her accident and how sports have played a pivotal role in building her self-confidence. She also delivers an empowering message to those with disabilities, highlighting that «impossible» is just a word.
Join us as we explore Anna’s remarkable journey in sports, modeling, and how she has transformed every challenge into an opportunity to shine. Don’t miss this inspiring interview!
1.- Anna, your story is extremely inspiring. What was the biggest challenge for you when you started your journey as a Paralympic athlete and Miss Wheelchair?
When I started disabled sport I realized how hard I had to work to swim fast using only my arms. I learned how much selflessness and strength this sport requires. I learned to know my body, to use it in the water to make it easier at times.
As for being Miss, it was quite a challenge. It’s about showing yourself to the other person as you are. Disability is still surrounded by a lot of stereotypes. I tried to break them, which was certainly not easy. But I think I succeeded to a large extent.
2.- What emotions did you feel when you were elected II Vice Miss Wheelchair World 2022? What did this award mean to you personally?
When I became Vice Miss World it was a feeling of incredible joy and accomplishment. I felt appreciated and reaffirmed that disability is only in our heads. I proved that a woman can be beautiful no matter what and feel comfortable in her own skin.
3.- Sport, especially swimming, requires a lot of physical and mental strength. Where do you get the motivation to constantly push your limits?
Sport is a challenge for me. However, when I was still walking I trained in karate. Even then I learned strength and perseverance. I also learned not to give up, and every failure motivated me to keep growing and working on myself.
4.- How do you face difficult moments when adversity arises, both in your personal and professional life?
When I need help, I am not afraid to ask for it. Most of the time it is related to architectural barriers. However, when I need mental support I also turn to my loved ones and I immediately feel better.
5.- What values are most important to you and have shaped your approach to life after the accident?
The most important thing for me now is to be healthy and enjoy every day. I have realized how much we worry about the little things and don’t appreciate what we have. The accident taught me to enjoy the little things and live life 100%.
6.- Your achievements show that the impossible does not exist. What message would you like to convey to other people with disabilities who feel that their opportunities are limited?
I would like to convey to other people with disabilities that disability is not an obstacle to achieving dreams. Yes, it is not easy. It requires a lot of sacrifice and work. But once we are able to dream about something, we are also able to achieve it. I hope others will believe in themselves, get out of their homes and start living life to the fullest.
7.- What does it mean to you to be a member of the Polish Para-Swimming Team and how has it affected your life?
Being part of the national para-swimming team is a great honor for me. I have proved to myself and others that hard work pays off. Also, I met great people, was abroad at numerous competitions and training camps where I got to see different disabilities. Then I started to appreciate even more what I have.
8.- Is there anything you would like to say to people who do not understand the effort that sport for the disabled requires?
Sport for everyone is not easy. Also for people without disabilities. However, as far as we are concerned, we also have to fight against our own body, which not only does not help us but also hinders us. It is as if a non-disabled person were put a weight on his or her legs and forced to swim. Sometimes I feel like that in the water because my legs go down inert.
9.- What has sport given you in terms of personal development and how has it helped you to increase your confidence?
Sport has shown me that nothing is impossible. It has strengthened me physically and mentally. I have learned perseverance and inner strength. These qualities make life easier for me.
10. What was your biggest dream before the accident and how did your life goals change afterwards?
I don’t know if I had a specific dream. I definitely had goals that I wanted to pursue and then it was success in karate. Nowadays, my biggest dream is to have a healthy family, a husband and two children. I just want to be happy.
11. What gives you the most satisfaction in your professional and private life?
Satisfaction comes from the successes I achieve and the small goals I accomplish. At work I enjoy being appreciated by my clients, at home I enjoy doing all the housework without anyone’s help. As I said before, I try to enjoy every moment.
13.- What support do you find most important in difficult moments? Are there people who have played a key role in your path to success?
Throughout my life, my family has played a very important role, especially my father. He has always believed in me, supported me and fought for me. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am now. I owe my whole life to him. Also, now I have a husband who gives me wings with his love and supports me in all my challenges.
15.- How do you deal with the pressure of expectations, both those imposed by others and those you set for yourself?
The pressure at times was immense. So I tried to focus on organizing my time well, giving 100% of myself in all aspects and also finding a moment to relax and disconnect.
17.- What are your immediate goals, both in sport and in your personal life?
In swimming, I would like to win a medal at the Polish Championships, but I don’t know yet if I will be able to compete. For now I want to focus on my family, my husband and my children.
18.- Finally, what would you like to transmit to young people who are facing various difficulties in their lives? What advice would you give them?
I would like them to believe that the sun always rises after the storm and that, even if it is difficult now, it will get better. Life writes its own script for us, one that we don’t always understand. My accident taught me a lot. It helped me understand the value of life. I would like others to believe that life has meaning and that it is worth making the most of it.
Język angielski
Anna Płoszyńska Kontakt: Instagram
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