She lost her legs in a terrorist attack – now, she's a Paralympic equestrian


de Lavalette is a decorated athlete in the discipline of para-dressage and has her eye on the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Photo: The New York Times/Elena Dotoli

Five months after Beatrice de Lavalette lost her legs below the knee in a terrorist attack in Brussels in 2016, she was doing what seemed impossible: riding a horse.Then 17 years old, de Lavalette, who began riding at three, was at the Brussels airport when explosives in a suitcase she was standing beside were detonated, part of attacks in the city that killed dozens of people.

She awoke in the hospital with the big goal to ride again.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Living

SinggahKL 2026 offers public chance to learn and appreciate Kuala Lumpur's architecture
Apricot by Peaches and Cream celebrates decadent European-centric comfort food
Are home remedies like honey, garlic and hot chicken soup able to fix colds?
Saving for life’s surprises: How to build an emergency financial fund
Contradictheory: Not all of us are Ferrari drivers
Dear Thelma: I’m still torn between a past and present relationship
As Italy allows alcohol-free wine, might this be the month to try it?
Second-hand shopping in China has evolved into a trendy, eco-friendly lifestyle
Heart And Soul: Threads that lead to thoughts about life, death and meaning
Restaurant trends that are likely to bloom in Malaysia in 2026

Others Also Read