CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Ralf Etienne, a man who lost his left leg during the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, made history on Friday by becoming Haiti's first Winter Paralympian. He competed in the giant slalom standing race at the Milan Cortina Games, showcasing resilience and determination.
Despite finishing his first run with the slowest time, over 30 seconds behind the leader, Etienne expressed immense pride in his performance amidst challenging conditions at the course in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
A Journey from Tragedy to Triumph
Etienne was trapped for eight hours under rubble after the magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck southern Haiti on January 12, 2010. The Haitian government reported the death toll at over 300,000, while a U.S. government report estimated it between 46,000 and 85,000. Rescued upside down, he was a successful businessman before the disaster changed his life.
After his recovery, Etienne shifted his focus to non-profit work and later pursued studies in the United States. His love for skiing began three years ago when he joined friends on a ski trip, leading him to embrace the sport fully.
Balancing Banking and Skiing
Now at 36 years old, Etienne continues to work as a banker, although he has received encouragement to pursue skiing full-time. He values his career in finance, stating, “I don’t do it for the money. I do it because I really like it. I like finance.”
Etienne emphasized the importance of understanding financial structures to enhance his humanitarian efforts. His insights into how major companies operate financially equip him to contribute more effectively to societal betterment.
Support from Family and Community
His sister traveled from French Guiana to support him during the competition, and back home, his achievements garnered significant attention. A local newspaper hailed him as “the global ambassador of Haiti,” reflecting the pride felt by many Haitians.
Etienne shared, “If you see the comments of Haitians on my Instagram, it’s crazy. They are so proud of me doing this.” He identifies deeply with his roots, stating he is as “Haitian as it gets” and aims to inspire others in Haiti who are facing challenges.
A Message of Hope for the Future
Etienne’s journey symbolizes hope for the future of Haiti. He stated, “This speaks to the world that there is still hope in Haiti. Haiti has a lot to offer, but I tell the youth in Haiti and the children... Allow them to dream.”
Looking ahead, he has ambitious goals for his skiing career. “In four years, of course, I’m going to come back here to get gold. I’m not going to come here to compete. I’m going to come here to get the gold,” he declared.
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