A champion in competitions for people with special capabilities, Irini Kourouvani, experienced an incredible ordeal. While on Patision Street in her wheelchair, she was struck by a passing vehicle, whose driver then left her injured at the scene.
The Greek Police arrested a 36-year-old man, who was indeed under the influence of alcohol. He is charged with dangerous driving, bodily harm, driving without a license, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Breathalyzer tests showed his blood alcohol levels were 0.75 mg/lt and 0.74 mg/lt in two successive measurements.
Following the traffic accident, the foreign national from Georgia was located and apprehended by OPKE officers on Eptanisou Street in Kypseli. Mrs. Kourouvani suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to the “Red Cross” Hospital.
The Greek Police Statement:
“A 36-year-old car driver was arrested after running over a woman in a wheelchair and leaving the scene of the accident.
The foreign driver of the car faces charges of dangerous driving, bodily harm, driving without a license, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Specifically, while driving on Patision Street, he struck a woman in a wheelchair in the right lane and fled the scene, leaving her injured.
OPKE officers, informed of the hit-and-run, conducted a thorough search of the area. They eventually located and apprehended the driver, who was taken to the Athens Traffic Sub-Directorate. The arrested individual was brought before the Criminal Prosecutor of Athens.”
Irini Kourouvani: A Champion of Life
Irini Kourouvani’s story is a remarkable testament to the power of human will. Born in the small village of Petralona, Ilia, she was diagnosed with a rare condition called arthrogryposis, which causes stiffness and thinning of the limbs, severely limiting their functionality. By age 8, Irini had undergone numerous surgeries and spent many days in the hospital.
Undeterred, she moved to Athens after finishing school to study at the Department of Political Science and Public Administration of the Athens Law School. It was during her university years that a friend introduced her to wheelchair racing at OAKA, igniting her passion for sports.
From 1988 to 2000, she won 15 gold, 8 silver, and 10 bronze medals in Panhellenic athletics competitions for disabled people. After conquering athletics, she transitioned to weightlifting, quickly joining the National Team and competing in world and European championships, achieving up to 3rd place.
Irini’s journey didn’t stop there. In 2008, she took up sailing, becoming the indispensable partner of a friend in need of a sailing teammate. This milestone led her to tame the waves and eventually dive into the world of diving, showing her unyielding spirit and resilience.
