Swimming Against The Tide
Tel-Aviv, Israel
A disabled Russian swimmer demonstrates his unbelievable abilities in a competition in Israel.
Igor Plotnikov made it all the way from Russia to Israel to participate in a swimming competition for the disabled. His achievements and will-power are incredible. He participated and set new world records at the Paralympic games, which is a multi-sport event for athletes with physical, mental and sensorial disabilities.
Igor was born in Russia 27 years ago with no arms. But his physical limitation only caused him to strengthen his spirit.
5:46 -5:51, 6:03-6:09
[Igor Plotnikov, Swimmer]:
"Everything depends on the spirit. If you are ready psychologically then you are able to win. It is possible to cultivate physical abilities, but to cultivate the spirit, I think it is much harder."
Igor started his sports career as an athlete and achieved impressive results. But later on he decided to have a go at swimming. Due to his special swimming style, Igor got the nickname "snake fish". His coach for the last 7 years, thinks that Igor's success is directly connected to his approach to life.
14:54 -15:05, 15:12-15:20
[Nikolay Dubrovin, Plotnikov's Coach]:
"He even encourages me. Because they (disabled) are so optimistic and love life so much, we, the healthy people, should learn from them. They are happy with every day. They appreciate every day of life and are grateful to God for giving it to them. Unfortunately we don't understand it."
Besides having unbelievable achievements in swimming, Igor also rides a horse and drives a car.
Igor Plotnikov had proved once more that what seems to be impossible actually may be possible. Belief and spirit can make the difference.
NTDTV, Tel-Aviv, Israel