Finding Strength on the Water: The Story of Axel Celmanti

Some athletes are driven by competition. Others are driven by something deeper. For Axel Celmanti, paddle sport became a turning point, a space where discipline, purpose, and self-belief came together. Following the amputation of his leg, he was forced to adapt to a new reality and rediscover his path. What began as a step into the unknown quickly grew into a passion and a pathway to high performance. On the water, he found clarity, structure, and confidence again. Each training session became more than preparation; it became progress. Now training at the national level and aiming for his first international selections, Axel embodies resilience, proving that determination can transform even the most difficult moments into new beginnings.

For those who don’t know you yet, could you introduce yourself and tell us about your personal journey and the values that define you?

My name is Axel Celmanti, and after the amputation of my leg, I discovered a new world through sport,  one that completely changed my life. That experience reshaped my perspective and gave me a new purpose. Today, I see myself as someone with clear goals, strong determination, and a constant desire to improve. Every day is an opportunity to grow and become the best version of myself.

Sport has always been part of your life. What role did it play before that turning point?

For me, sport has always meant health, balance, and freedom. Before everything happened, I trained whenever I could, but balancing work and training wasn’t always easy. Still, sport remained an important part of my life, something that grounded me and gave me energy.

After such a life-changing event, how did you rebuild yourself and redefine your priorities?

Rebuilding yourself takes time. First, you have to reconnect with who you are, and learn to accept your new reality. That process teaches you something powerful: life is short, and you must focus on what truly makes you happy. I’ve always tried to find the positive in every situation, and in an unexpected way, sport came back into my life. What started as part of my recovery became something much bigger. Today, I’m proud to be part of the national team, with ambitious goals and more motivation than ever to push my limits.

Why did you choose paddle sports, and specifically surfski and the V1 canoe?

It all started during my rehabilitation, when I returned to training in the gym. At that time, I felt lost, unsure of which sport I could practice. Through the Play and Train foundation, which helps people with disabilities access sport, I was invited to participate in a Paralympic talent identification camp. There, I discovered canoeing. Coaches quickly saw potential in me, and most importantly, I felt something special on the water. That moment changed everything, it gave me direction, purpose, and a new passion.

What do these disciplines bring you today, both physically and mentally?

Joining Los Marlines de Lanzarote was a defining moment. Seeing people of all ages training together, united by the same passion, was incredibly inspiring.

Mentally, paddling became a space of freedom and clarity. After my amputation and prosthesis, it was a fragile and emotional period, and being on the water helped me rebuild my confidence. When I paddle, I can disconnect from everything and focus entirely on the present moment. It brings me peace, strength, and motivation.

Physically, the sport has transformed me. The training is intense and demanding, but it has allowed me to become stronger every day. It constantly pushes me to discover new limits and new possibilities.

You are now fully committed to high performance. What are your main short, mid, and long-term goals?

In the short term, my focus is on the upcoming national selection event, which will determine whether I qualify for the European Championships and the World Cup. These could be my first international competitions, and I’m extremely motivated to prove myself.

In the long term, like every athlete, the Los Angeles Paralympic Games represent a dream. It’s a goal that requires years of dedication, discipline, and sacrifice, but I’m ready for that journey.

For now, my priority is simple: keep improving, seize every opportunity, and give everything I have this season. Qualifying for international competition would already be a major milestone and a proud moment in my journey.

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