Portrait of Cédric Nankin: Wheelchair rugby, an unlimited passion
At only 25 years old, Cédric Nankin is already co-captain of the French wheelchair rugby team. Nicknamed “the machine”, this talented young athlete is preparing with determination for the Paralympic Games in Paris. Dive into the heart of his training with the Cap Saaa club, to discover a sport where the spirit of ovality reigns supreme.
Cédric Nankin is known to be a fierce defender, capable of making impressive blocks. His opponents fear him as much as his teammates admire him. A teammate, Ryadh Sallem, testifies: “You have to avoid being too close to him because when he puts the grid in your wheel, to get out of it, it’s quite complicated. Even the greatest players in the world When they see Cédric, they say to themselves: ‘Watch out, if he’s on me’… And he doesn’t stop”.
But beyond his physical strength and his performance on the pitch, what seduces Cédric in this discipline is the solidarity that emerges. Despite the intensity of the competition, the players are not only adversaries, they are warriors who face each other. And off the field, there is an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual support: “I found the mentality too cool, and that’s why I got hooked quite quickly,” says Cédric.
Double European champion with the France team, Cédric Nankin does not hide his ambitions for the Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024. He hopes that the stadiums will be full, that the public will come to support and encourage them. Participating in the Paralympic Games at home is a unique experience, an opportunity he intends to seize. His ultimate goal: give everything to have no regrets at the end of the competition.
But Cédric is not content with just being a top athlete. With his teammate Ryadh Sallem, he also wants to change mentalities around disability in France. Through their commitment and performance, they hope to inspire others and show that disability is not a limitation, but a challenge to be met with courage and determination.
While waiting for the Paralympic Games, Cédric Nankin is preparing for the International Cup which will take place in Paris in October. With his strong sense of humor, he even admits having added a small additional handicap during training, adding 4.2 kg to his chair, because he felt that the opposing team was not competitive enough.
Cédric Nankin embodies the strength, resilience and team spirit of wheelchair rugby. His passion for this sport knows no bounds and he is ready to give everything to achieve his goals. Let’s follow his preparation with enthusiasm and support him in the next competitions, because he is the symbol of an unfailing determination that inspires all those who cross his path.