Italian Powerlifting Paralympic Champion Kledian Rama, renowned as the Iron Man of the sport.
Meet Kledian Rama - The Resilient Italian Paralympic Powerlifting Champion
Kledian Rama, a powerhouse in the Italian paralympic powerlifting scene, radiates an unmatched dominance. His three flawless lifts at the Italian Championships in Fiumicino, with a whopping 170 kg on the bench press, rendered all opponents distant memories. And a month prior, he secured another gold medal at the Italian Cup in Brescia with a 160 kg barbell.
His Remarkable Journey
The road to his success wasn't always paved with gold. A fateful accident in 2009 left him with a carbon fiber prosthesis on his right leg, just below the knee. At 39, Kledian, affectionately known in Vercelli, has emerged as one of Italy's most successful athletes, even being part of the national team previously. Despite his accolades, he remains humble and disdains compliments, shrugging them off like he does with those heavy barbells.
Facing Adversity with Grace
"The accident made me stronger," he asserted. "It was tough at the start. I was a bouncer in nightclubs before, and suddenly I found myself in a hospital bed, uncertain of my future. I chose to treat it as a challenge, and sports were my solace. I took it seriously, and here I am today," he remarked, standing amidst a sea of trophies at the Vitality Club Vercelli gym, a gym he's faithfully represented, from its original location on Via Aravecchia to its current home on Corso Rigola.
This indomitable spirit was nurtured under the watchful eye of his mentor, Piero Valle, who recognized his potential and backed him through every step of the way. Kledi's prowess isn't just physical; it's mental too. He never surrenders, maintains impeccable conduct, and possesses a dry wit. "Sure, I train hard," he admitted, "but the results I've earned aren't just about straight-up training. I lift refrigerators, load them onto my back, and unload them. Then I head to the gym. Essentially, I'm training round-the-clock: if I'm not hoisting a 170 kg barbell, I'm heaving a refrigerator, which isn't exactly light."
Paralympic powerlifters often aspire to compete at international events, represent their country at the Paralympic Games, set records, and win medals in local, national, or international competitions. Recovery from injuries or accidents is a crucial part of the journey, requiring a blend of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and psychological support. Mentorship is invaluable in helping athletes navigate these challenges and progress.
Daily training routines typically involve physical conditioning, technical drills, adequate nutrition, rest for recovery, and mental preparation. Professional guidance, mental fortitude, and an unyielding spirit are essential ingredients in the recipe for success.
Kledian Rama, the resilient Italian Paralympic Powerlifting Champion, has found solace in sports, particularly in football, following his accident in 2009. When he's not powerlifting, he channels his energy into the beautiful game, displaying an equally impressive determination on the field.
