Mario Roque's Life Lesson: From Professional Football to Wheelchair Tennis

After a severe traffic accident in Barcelona in 2019, the young athlete has become a symbol of resilience.

Generic image of a tennis racket leaning against a sports wheelchair on a court.
IA

Generic image of a tennis racket leaning against a sports wheelchair on a court.

Young athlete Mario Roque has redefined his life after a February 2019 motorcycle accident in Barcelona left him with a spinal cord injury, leading him from football to professional wheelchair tennis.

The accident occurred on a Sunday afternoon when a car collision threw Mario from his motorcycle, causing a severe spinal injury. After being treated at Vall d'Hebron Hospital, he faced the reality that he would never walk again. Despite an initial period of depression, his time at the Institut Guttmann became a turning point for his recovery and personal life.
Formerly a striker in Spanish football's lower leagues, Roque adapted his competitive spirit to wheelchair tennis. He now trains several hours a day, competing internationally with the goal of reaching the Paralympic Games. During his rehabilitation, he also met his wife, describing his new life as a 'rebirth' despite the physical challenges.

"I have been reborn since I had the accident."

Mario Roque · Athlete and speaker
Beyond sports, Mario is actively involved in the Game Over prevention program. He visits schools across Catalonia to share his story with teenagers, aiming to prevent future traffic accidents by highlighting how a single moment of distraction can permanently alter a person's life.