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Turkey's first Paralympic horse rider Tolga Dokuyucu stands next to horse Balfi after training at the Equestrian Sports Club in Ankara, Turkey, 14 June 2022. Dokuyucu started horse riding at the age of seven and later joined the apprentice jockey school. At the age of 30 he was seriously injured as a result of falling off the horse during the Ankara 75th Year Racecourse, when he lost his sight due to head trauma and broke his leg. After three expensive medical treatments, Dokuyucu started working in the streets of Ankara, selling lighters, wet wipes and pens at subway exits. He did eventually return to horse riding, becoming a member of the Equestrian Sports Club. Married and father of two, Dokuyucu is currently training to compete in the France 2024 Summer Paralympics in the Dressage category as Turkey's first Paralympic horse rider. During an interview with epa, he said: “After the accident, I thought I would not be able to ride a horse again. Now I am preparing for the Paralympic Games. My goal is to return home with a medal. Horses are a light for me”. (Photo by Sedat Suna/EPA/EFE)
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