Author of a book* published on Amazon, David Riccetti, a 25-year-old student from Nancy and a great sportsman with a disability, describes his journey strewn with pitfalls “to change views on disability”. Interview.
Why this book and why this title?
I decided to write this autobiographical book in order to bear witness to the life of a person with a disability, to inspire, to help those who need it, to break taboos, to change certain mentalities towards them, to allow for others to identify with my journey, to approach disability in a positive way.
I chose this title because I think it says enough without saying too much about myself and my story. It is gentle and powerful at the same time.
What is the nature of your disability?
I have cerebral palsy (CP), a non-regressive motor disability that affects my motor and brain control. But also dyspraxia, an invisible handicap which makes it difficult for me to orient myself in space, carry out minute tasks and perform certain movements.
You talk about the many struggles of your childhood and adolescence in a specialized center. Are these indelible wounds for you?
I don’t think these are indelible wounds, because I have learned to take a step back from my past, the difficulties and obstacles that I may have encountered. To consider them as experiences that allowed me to evolve, to become better, and to be the person I am today.
Each ordeal, each hard blow that would have destroyed anyone, makes you stronger and gives you the desire to fight. Where do you get this strength from? What ultimately motivates you?
I would say that it is something innate (hence the title of my book: Innate Resilience) because I have always had this ability to put things into perspective and see the bright side of things, even in the worst moments from the top of my head. my 25th birthday. Then, when I’m not motivated, I think back to everything I’ve been through and managed to overcome so far and I tell myself that I’ll never give up, that it’s in my genes, in my veins and that no matter what my loved ones, colleagues or strangers tell me, I will never give up! I use what they say as strength to prove to them that they are wrong and especially to myself that I am stronger!
-With this book, you are addressing all those who, disabled or not, are overwhelmed by life and no longer believe in anything. What do you tell them?
I will tell them that this book is made for them! Failure is an integral part of life and it is completely normal to fail. Without failure we could neither learn nor improve, it is an important and crucial step that teaches us, challenges us and makes us better.
Then, not always listening to what their loved ones or others in general say. If you have one or more dreams: dare! You will at least have the merit of having tried and will not feel the regret of not having acted, and who knows! You will succeed or perhaps discover new passions. In any case, you will be proud of having done something and stepping out of your comfort zone. Things that are not always in our control burst into our lives and there is little we can do about them. On the other hand, we can choose how we will react and act. Are we going to give up? Where can we use it to learn, evolve, and move forward?
However, my book Innate Resilience is also aimed at curious people who would like to learn more about disability, be inspired to achieve their personal goals or realize their dreams. But also for those who like autobiographies.
You have a new chair for practicing disabled athletics. Does it help you progress?
My new athletic chair obtained a few months ago allows me to reach much higher speeds than my old everyday chair. It helps me progress, prepare me for my future competitions, because it is tailor-made, and aerodynamically designed for athletics tracks and running.
“Innate Resilience” by David Riccetti – 270 pages, €12 On Amazon
David Riccetti: A Warrior in a Wheelchair
