When Ronja Hampf, 16, discussed her future with a social worker, she became confused. Hampf had high school studies firmly in mind, but the social worker suggested retirement as one option.
– When the social worker said that you can retire, I thought that for a moment, not really what you’re assuming now. I felt like saying that I’m sorry, this is a social problem, that disabled people are discriminated against in this way, Hampf tells Urheilu.
– However, I was like, okay, let’s take oxygen and then we’ll talk.
Hampf became completely blind at the age of five. That’s why he, like other visually impaired people, has the right to receive a disability pension at the age of 16. Hampf emphasizes that this is a very good option depending on the person, but for him it was out of the question.
– I will only retire when I have to, says Hampf.
This is easy to believe when you listen to the energetic and cheerful Hampf talk. Hampf talks about his goals as a top athlete and student with enthusiasm.
He also has a sense of humor and makes the other Future Stars around him laugh with him at the announcement event.
Future stars is an elite sports support program for young para-athletes coordinated by the Paralympic Committee. Hampf is one of 22 names. He joined the group as a new athlete.
– The choice felt really good. Getting into the group of future stars has been a long-time dream. I can’t quite believe this, but I’m leaving with a really good feeling, it’s great to be a part of it.
The talent was visible from the beginning
Hampf started swimming at the age of 11 in Helsingfors Simsällskap, when a physiotherapist noticed the talent. At first, he was part of a swimming group for a couple of years younger, where they learned the basics.
– I told my parents that I can’t stand being here, this is boring, because I already know how to swim. We found a disabled swimming group for me and after half a year the coaches said should you move to a competitive group when you have gifts for swimming. I stayed on that path.
In December, Hampf achieved SM silver with a new s11 class Finnish record.
– I couldn’t believe it, but it felt really great. Somehow I got proof that I still have something bigger to do, says Hampf.
– When I woke up the next morning, it took me a long time to understand what had been done. It couldn’t sink in, but it felt really great.
Avoiding tiles
Hampf could see a little as a child, but he became permanently blind at the age of five. According to Hampf, blindness does not affect swimming or technique that much, but taking direction has had to be learned.
At the ends, Hampf gets help from the so-called signalers. Their purpose is to use a padded stick or handle to signal the swimmer on the shoulder, head or hand that the edge is approaching.
According to Hampf, this always requires a little training so that the mark hits the right spot.
– It doesn’t hurt. You have to tap pretty hard to feel it. Especially when the speed increases, the louder the sign can be given. I usually say that I prefer that brand to the tile. That mark hurts a lot less.
– I’ve also swum facing tiles, but I don’t recommend that experience to anyone, Hampf laughs.
Through dreams
In his sports career, Hampf’s biggest dream is to make it to the Paralympics. Although Hampf also invests in school, his everyday life currently runs on the terms of sports.
Regarding studies, my dream is to study law at university. From all of Hampf’s speeches, it can be concluded that he lives his life through dreams.
– Definitely through dreams. Although they may not be achieved, they will help you get out of bed and strive towards them. It’s a good way, says Hampf.
Hampf wants to emphasize that para sports is a sport as well as a sport for the disabled.
– You often hear that you have such a nice little hobby. It was through high school that I got to argue with the teachers a lot about why I was absent and what I was doing.
– It’s important to remember: even if there is an injury, it doesn’t take away the demandingness of the sport, but it’s a sport just like any other sport. It is equal. However, we are all human, even if we do things in slightly different ways.