Full name: Desiree Vila Bargiela
Birthdate: June 15, 1998
Origin: Gondomar, Pontevedra (Spain)
Profession: Professional athlete | Adaptive athletics | Paralympic athlete and acrobatic gymnast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desivila98/
“There are circumstances that can change our path, but we can always look for other paths and challenges.”
Desirée Vila is a young Spanish athlete who has gone from being a gymnast to becoming a nationally and internationally recognised athlete, especially for her positive spirit and her story of overcoming challenges.
This is about a young woman who, following medical negligence, was forced to radically change her routine and lifestyle. She has now become a successful Paralympic athlete and a role model for millions of girls and young women around the world.
"Amputation brought me more good things than bad."
The young athlete was 16 years old when she suffered a fracture of the tibia and fibula in 2015 while training for the European Championships in acrobatic gymnastics. Medical negligence led to the amputation of her right leg. After the incident, the young Galician took refuge in sport again, and thanks to this, both she and her family were able to overcome difficult months and transform a difficult reality into a source of strength.
Desirée has always had a sporty and adventurous spirit that has guided her towards sport, even from a very young age. She began practising acrobatic gymnastics in 2012 with the Flic Flac Club in Vigo, the year in which she was proclaimed champion of Galicia with her team at the Pabellón de las Traviesas (Vigo) and the following year she was runner-up in Galicia at the Pabellón dos Remedios (Orense). Her successful career and talent were reflected in the following years. Even after the amputation, Desirée Vila continued with the desire to be one with sport. She tried wheelchair tennis, basketball and swimming.
“I wouldn't change my life now for the one I had before, I wouldn't change everything I've learned.”
Finally, in 2018 she began to practice athletics, the year in which she was proclaimed champion of Spain in the 100 meters (21.43), and long jump (2.54) in the Spanish championship by communities, and in the Spanish championship by clubs, with a mark of 20.48 in the 100 meters and 2.94 in the long jump. Without a doubt, the spirit of adventure, sport and overcoming helped Desiree to find her way in a new motivation: athletics. It is undoubtedly a source of motivation and inspiration.
Currently, the athlete is promoting the 14th challenge of CaixaBank, within the "20 for 20" programme of the "Nonconformists of Sport" campaign. Through the story of Desirée Vila, she seeks to meet the athletes who have turned what, at first, may seem like a barrier into an opportunity for improvement and an open door to new challenges. In fact, 'The only incurable thing is the desire to live' is Desirée's motto and the title of her book.
The athlete, who also gives motivational talks in her role as ambassador for the Adecco Foundation, gives awareness days showing that disability is also synonymous with talent and normality.In addition, she was chosen as an inspirational role model for girls through the world of Barbie.
