Written by Trackandmemes, January 18, 2022
I am Lea Bayekula, 26 years old from Brussels, but also a high level athlete and member of the Belgian Paralympic team.
I started athletics in 2013, but I experienced the high level in 2016. Since then, I had the opportunity to participate in different competitions, such as the Belgian Championship where I had several titles on 100, 200 and 400 meters, the European Championship in Berlin, the World Championship in Dubai, the European Championship in Poland where I was actually bronze medalist, and other competitions.
For the record, before I started this sport, I didn't think that all this would be possible for me. My dreams were so broken as a child that I never dared to think about it. One day, I had the chance to go horseback riding. So yes, I am a big horse fan. I think I could have even made a career out of it, hahaha. In my room, I had mostly posters of horse guys. 😂😂 And then one fine day, I was contacted by someone who offered me to join an association. Basically, I hate it. After that, it's specific to each person, but I finally accepted to enter this world, the world of athletics. I did basketball for 3 years too. But what I liked most was the suicides (type of training) and the games. Then, during a day called "detection" (these are all the sports that are found among the able-bodied, but adapted to the non-able-bodied to help them find the sport that suits them best). I met Marieke Vervoort, a great athlete with whom I was able to discuss and who gave me a lot of advice... It marked me to the point where I still talk about it today. It's thanks to her that I got involved in athletics. I said to myself, "this is what I want to do". And here I am today! When I look back, I think "wow... I've come a long way". I am proud of who I am becoming. What grace!
This season, you're moving forward with a new coach. What brought you together?
Yes, this season I do not hide you that it was difficult for me!
François Maingain taught me so much. We had some crazy times together. We had some surprises in terms of my times... I come from far away and I can only be grateful for everything he did for me!
Because you know, I'm not going to teach you anything. A coach is a buddy, a brotherI've got a shrink, a philosopher who'll come up with phrases that will motivate you like never before, and just talking about it, there are only good memories that come out.
With my new coach, I'm deepening the more technical side that I'm missing in the wheelchair, since I'm doing handisport.
Most athletes train in groups. But you have to progress in a different way. How do you feel about that?
I have a good feeling about it. I love it when sometimes there is no one on the track and I can hit my best session in the quietest of the quiet. After that, there are times when it's a little hard to be alone, so I decide to workout when there are people around, unless I have to yell "COULOIR 2" again when I'm in full gear. 😂😂
Besides, everyone knows that lane 2 is for wheelers.
Initially aligned on the short sprint, 100m, but also long, 400m, you discover from now on a new discipline. The 800m. How do you approach this new discipline?
WhaaaI get chills just talking about it.
I'm in the middle of preparing for the 800 meters, and I'm in pain. In the back of my mind, there's option number one; quit before I've even started, or option number two; continue.
So, I really like the challenges. So I choose the second option. We'll see where it takes us. In any case, I count on grace and I remain confident for the future.
Peux-tu définir le terme « inspiration » et « modèle » selon ta propre vision ? Te définis-tu comme une inspiration ?
For me, an inspiring person is someone who will be seen as a role model. Who is going to give you that desire to achieve your dreams, to fight to reach your goals... In itself, we are all inspiring in our own way. People who follow me often tell me that I am inspiring, and that's cool! Because yes, I would like to be a role model, an inspiration for those who don't believe anymore, those who think that life is over. I would like to be a role model for them so they can find that light at the end of the tunnel.
I would like them to say to themselves, "If she could, why can't I?" ❤️
Sure, we all go through complicated times, but life is not about moping around. It's about going for it, trying to become the best version of yourself. We all have value, so I don't see why you can't make it.
– Léa.
What are your future projects?
At the moment, I would like to do a lot of competitions and training courses. But I remain focused on everything that will lead me to the goal of Paris 2024.
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