Beatrice De Lavalette was just 17 years old when she was seriously injured in a terrorist attack in Belgium, losing both of her legs from the knee down.
The teen spent the next several months in intensive physical1, working hard to 2 her mobility and independence. She 3 her family for supporting her and 4 her that life would go on during those dark days. Her beloved horse, DeeDee, was especially helpful in her5.
6 in an equestrian(马术的) family, Beatrice started riding when she was just a kid, competing in dressage(盛装舞步) by the time she was 12. Even with both legs gone, she never 7 to her misfortune. 8, she was eager to get back to her "real life", beginning the 9 task of relearning how to ride. 10 her muscle strength as well as her sense of 11 was gone, she had to be lifted up and held onto DeeDee by someone. Little by little, she successfully regained the strength to ride 12assistance.
Her efforts paid off 13. In April 2017, Beatrice was able to return to competitions at a show. Now, six years after the accident that almost killed her, she was selected to 14 Team USA at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games!
"My being here shows that literally anything is15," she said. "I know it's kind of the usual thing to say, but it's true. Just go for it."
