Paralympian Zyw's Positive Fight Against MND

Zyw, diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) two years prior to the current date, found a new purpose in snowboarding. Initially working as a sommelier in London, his first symptom was a numb left thumb. Despite a disease prognosis where half of those diagnosed die within two years, Zyw is considered one of the 'lucky ones' as his condition progresses slowly.

He learned to snowboard as a child and returned to the sport after a childhood knee injury had previously ended his competitive freestyle career. Zyw emphasizes that his attitude is the only aspect of his diagnosis he can control. This positive outlook has made each day easier since his diagnosis.

At the Games, Zyw was cheered on by his fan club, including his wife Yvie and son Aleksander. Despite suffering two broken ribs in a crash during his opening run, he was determined to compete in the banked slalom event. He finished 19th, but the results were secondary to his personal achievement.

Zyw acknowledges he is in a unique phase of his diagnosis, ill enough to be a Para-athlete but well enough to still compete. He expressed gratitude that the Games occurred during this specific window, as he anticipates his condition will prevent him from competing in a few years.