Gema Hassen-Bey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gema Victoria Hassen-Bey González
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in 2017
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| Born | 2 July 1967 |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Occupation | journalist |
| Known for | Paralympic wheelchair fencer |
Gema Victoria Hassen-Bey González (born 2 July 1967) is a Spanish journalist and amazing wheelchair fencer. She has competed in many Paralympic Games and won two medals in 1992. She was also chosen to carry the flag for Spain in 2004. Gema is known for her incredible strength, even taking on challenging wheelchair mountain climbing!
Contents
Gema's Early Life
Gema Hassen-Bey was born in Madrid, Spain, in 1967. When she was just four years old, a car accident changed her life. She became paraplegic, which means she could not move her legs. After an operation on her spine, she had to stay in bed for a whole year.
Becoming a Paralympic Champion
Gema Hassen-Bey became a talented wheelchair fencer. Fencing is a sport where two people use swords to score points.
Winning Medals
Gema showed great skill at the 1992 Summer Paralympics. She won two bronze medals in wheelchair fencing. One was for her individual performance, and the other was with her team.
At the 1996 Summer Paralympics, she won another bronze medal with her women's épée team. She continued to compete at the highest level, taking part in the 2000 Summer Paralympics in Sydney, Australia.
Flag Bearer for Spain
Gema was given a special honor at the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens, Greece. She was chosen to be the flag bearer for Spain! This meant she led her country's team during the opening ceremony. She also competed in the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, China.
Mountain Climbing Challenges
Gema Hassen-Bey is not just a fencer; she loves extreme challenges! She has tried to climb some of the world's highest mountains using only her arms in a special wheelchair.
Climbing Teide
In 2017, she attempted to reach the top of Teide. This is Spain's highest mountain, located on the island of Tenerife. She had to stop her climb at over 3,700 meters (about 12,100 feet). Even though she didn't reach the very top, she made history! Gema became the first Paralympic athlete in a wheelchair to reach an altitude of 3,000 meters (about 9,800 feet) using only her arms.
Future Goals
Gema's big dream is to be the first woman in a wheelchair to reach the top of Kilimanjaro. This is the highest mountain in Africa! These amazing challenges help to develop special handbikes. These bikes are designed to help people like Gema climb mountains.
Bike Theft and Return
In 2017, Gema's special bike was stolen. She had parked it in a spot for people with disabilities while attending an event. Luckily, the police found it and returned it to her the very next day!
See also
In Spanish: Gema Hassen-Bey para niños
