From Football Dreams to Skiing Freedom: Aparaathlete's Journey

Adam Golebiewski, who lost both legs below the knee following a 2024 car crash, has discovered a new passion in para cross-country skiing and biathlon, finding a sense of freedom and a potential path to international competition.

The accident occurred when Golebiewski was 17 in Macduff, Aberdeenshire. The crash, caused by a drink driver, necessitated a double amputation. He spent three months in rehabilitation at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen, learning to walk again on crutches and celebrating his 18th birthday while in recovery.

His aspirations of a professional football career were ended by the crash, but Golebiewski, now 20, has embraced para skiing. He trains at the Nordic ski centre in Huntly, near where he used to play football. Using a specialized sit-ski equipped with skis for snow training, he has traveled to train in Colorado, Italy, and Germany.

"I don't actually think of my injuries when I'm on the board - I just forget that I have them," Golebiewski told BBC Scotland News. "I just feel so free and I just forget about everything else."

Despite falling numerous times during his initial training sessions, Golebiewski has rapidly progressed. He has now qualified to compete in international para biathlon events, a sport combining cross-country skiing and shooting. His immediate goals include participating in World Cup events in Finland and Sweden in the coming months.

Simon Bate, Golebiewski's coach at Snowsport Scotland, has praised his dedication and maturity. "From when I first met him as an 18-year-old and he just had this real maturity and positive outlook," Bate said. "He's always been very very up for what we've suggested in terms of the training, he's really keen to work hard."

Bate believes Golebiewski has the potential for future success, including a possible appearance at the 2030 Paralympic Winter Games. "He's definitely got the potential - and I think he's going to do well."

Golebiewski hopes his journey can inspire others facing adversity. "I think they should just give it a go because you never know what could happen," he stated. "Since I've started skiing, I've loved every minute of it."

The driver responsible for the crash, Arran Paterson, who was 19 at the time, was later detained for 32 months after admitting causing serious injury by dangerous driving, exceeding the drink-drive limit, and driving without insurance. Paterson was also disqualified from driving for over five years. Golebiewski was a passenger in Paterson's car when it crashed into a wall; two other teenage passengers sustained serious injuries.