Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
From the age of six, Zsombor has been gliding across the ice and asphalt with the agility and precision of a natural speed skater. Speed Skating is a form of ice skating in which competitors race against each other, typically around an oval track. Now, sixteen years later, both astonished and humbled at his achievement, Zsombor shares that he arrived in Turin with one goal only: to give everything he had on the ice. “I feel so excited to be here, I was so focused on my races. Now I can take in the sights of Turin tomorrow,” he laughs. “I did what I came to do.”
Zsombor has prepared for the Winter Games in Turin by training religiously. In addition to the training sessions within Special Olympics Hungary, he also trains regularly at mainstream club, “Ferencvaros Sports Club”. To prepare for the pressure and stimulation of the Games, Zsombor also has sessions with a sports psychologist. Sports psychologists can help athletes of all backgrounds prepare for their overall performance by giving them the tools to have a healthy mindset before and after the race. “Sports have taught me to fight for my goals in life, but they’ve also taught me to respect others.”
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
While very proud to represent Hungary at the Games once again, Zsombor’s victory wasn’t just about winning. During the award ceremony, standing on the podium at 1st place, he motioned for his fellow competitors in 2nd, 3rd and 4th place, to stand with him, just as photographers clamoured for a photo of Zsombor and his gold medal. Zsombor made sure his fellow athletes stood in the spotlight with him—embodying what it means to be a winner.
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
Watching from the stands, his ecstatic parents and close friends can hardly contain their joy. Back in Budapest, his twin sister, Zsofia, and his grandmother are cheering him on, having seen him through previous Games—like the World Games in Schladming in 2017 where Zsombor once again took home gold. “This is not my first time, I’ve been with the Special Olympics since I was 14. But this time, competing at the Games is extra special—it will be my last.”
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
With the echoes of applause still ringing in his ears, Zsombor reveals with confidence, that his time as a competitive speed skater has reached its pinnacle.
“I love speed skating, for sure, but I’m ready for my next dream. I’m training to become a DJ,” he divulges, to the surprise of his coach and fellow teammates. While his love for skating won’t fade, his heart is racing toward a different track. Inspired by his favorite musician, Los Angeles-based Industrial-Techno DJ, Fantasm, Zsombor has set his sights on becoming a professional DJ. The thrill of creating music, of moving a crowd similar to the way he does when he’s gliding across the ice, fills him with new anticipation. “I want to make music and I want to finally live an independent lifestyle,” smiling at the thought, “and if I can create Industrial Techno music specifically, this will be my next adventure achieved.”
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
As the Games in Turin draw to a close, with the Closing Ceremony taking place on 15 March in Turin, Zsombor will surely remember these Games, as a monumental turning point in his journey—both as an athlete and now as an artist. As Zsombor says goodbye to the World Games, he has some words of wisdom for future athletes, “The qualities I’ve acquired through sports have helped me in my everyday life. So never give up on what you seek. Perseverance is key. But if things don’t work out the way you planned, don’t worry.”
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