Now Married And Working As A Podiatrist, Young Amputee Athlete Eyes 2020 Paralympics As Malta’s Only Blade Runner
After 24 long years of no Maltese presence at the Summer Paralympics, 18-year-old Antonio Flores had made history – and the news – back in 2008, finding himself side by side on the startling line with celebrity Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius.
A decade later, Antonio has gone through a whole lot of changes and challenging moments, losing a leg and gaining a life companion in the process. But his passion for running and representing Malta has not waned one bit.
“I’ve now started working as a podiatrist and I recently got married,” Antonio smiles, eager to share all the exciting updates from the last couple of years. “Oh, and I officially started running again!”
Through thick and thin: Antonio and his biggest supporter Deborah recently got married
Even though Antonio was born with clubfoot, he has never let that get in the way of his true passion in life; running.
Two years ago, following a lifetime of hardship and pain, then-27-year-old Antonio had taken the very difficult decision of amputating his leg. “After discussing my case with various surgeons, everyone agreed that no correction was possible,” he had told Lovin Malta ahead of the operation.
But instead of seeing it as an impossible obstacle, Antonio had seen amputation as a way to start afresh. “Through enough hard work and effort, I could do anything I wanted,” he said. “So I opted for that.”
It’s only been 20 months since that fateful operation, but Antonio has managed to tick a whole lot of things off his to-do list
“Two months after surgery, I graduated and went on a buscade, unaided and without any walking aids!” Antonio beams. But that’s just the very tip of the inspirational iceberg.
Restarting athletics training, Antonio also started wearing prosthesis, and is currently on his fifth socket. “It was a difficult journey, because I had a sensitive residual limb which took time to become desensitised and used to the socket,” he admits. But in true Antonio Flores fashion, that definitely did not stop him.
“My line of work now involves taking care of people’s feet,” Antonio says of his full-time job as a podiatrist. “I know first hand how important that is. It feels good to help the community.”
“It’s always great to see someone leave the clinic with a spring in their step, especially if they first walked in limping,” he smiles. “Good to know I could help.”
You’d think that, with a full-time job and married life now under his belt, Antonio would be busy enough to take a break from racing. But it turns out that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Antonio is now the only blade runner in Malta, and his next target is the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo
“I’ve kicked off the Project Antonio Tokyo 2020,” he says of his latest endeavour. “It’s basically the whole process of getting officially classified and qualifying, and then potentially competing in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Games.”
Representing your country in an international competition is always a huge honour, but it also takes a massive toll on you… especially financially
Currently looking for backers to help in his project, Antonio would love to achieve his dream of competing in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, but it’s easier said than done.
“Life as an amputee runner is very expensive and it’s impossible keep up with the costs,” Antonio admits, eager to find a sponsor to help him on this amazing journey.
Antonio travelled to Japan a few weeks ago… for a slightly different reason
“We actually went up for our honeymoon,” he smiles. “I just love the whole Japanese culture… and I’m in love with anime! Most storylines involve a character overcoming a seemingly impossible situation. I guess that resonates with me.”
After all these years, one factor of Antonio’s life has definitely remained constant; his rock and wife, Deborah.
“I thought married life was going to take some time to get used to, but she’s such a great wife,” Antonio finishes, visibly in love with his life companion, “She’s always been so supportive, and quite frankly she spoils me!”
Here’s hoping Antonio will be making his way to Japan again next year as Malta’s only blade running representative!
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