Nathalie Säfsten. From accident to paralympic ambition

When Life Changes in a Second

Three years ago, Nathalie Säfsten’s life changed in an instant. During a training camp in Spain, the former national team cyclist was involved in a serious traffic accident. Her injuries were extensive. A spinal cord injury left her paralyzed from the waist down.

After surgeries, several months in hospital, and a long rehabilitation process, Nathalie received the message no one wants to hear.
- I was told that I would never walk again. But I decided quite quickly that I would do everything I could to keep moving forward.

A New Direction

During her time in hospital, a new idea began to take shape. As an elite athlete, her thoughts quickly turned toward the future and what she could still achieve.
-Well, then I guess I’ll paddle, she said.

That thought became the beginning of a new chapter.

Today, Nathalie is pursuing paracanoe with a clear goal: one day representing Sweden at the Paralympics in Los Angeles 2028.

In close collaboration with Nathalie, Ottobock Care’s technicians and occupational therapists developed a customized kayak seat tailored to her needs. By combining technical expertise with clinical experience, they created a solution that provides increased stability and confidence on the water, a crucial part of Nathalie’s ability to fully pursue her new athletic journey.

Experiencing the World Again

Today, Nathalie inspires many people through her determination and drive. Despite major setbacks, she has continued searching for new ways forward.

An important part of her rehabilitation takes place together with Ottobock Care’s orthotists, where solutions are adapted to her individual needs and goals.

Through a customized orthotic solution using a KAFO and two C-Braces, Nathalie has been able to do something that for a long time felt impossible: rise from her wheelchair.
- Being able to stand up and walk again, even if I still need crutches for support, it makes an enormous difference. It changes how you experience the world and yourself.

Nathalie’s goal is clear:
- I want to be able to walk without crutches!

At Bosön, she trains up to 20 hours a week, where strength training, paddling, and rehabilitation are all natural parts of everyday life.

For Nathalie, the technology means more than function alone. It gives her the opportunity to continue training, rehabilitating, and rebuilding strength in her body step by step.

And for Nathalie, every step forward is part of the journey back to movement, independence, and right now, the pursuit of the Paralympics.