The inclusive running movement "never walk alone" by PluSport - supported by Coop and Suva - has been getting people with and without disabilities moving together since 2013. The SwissCityMarathon - Lucerne is also one of the 16 running events on the programme. One person who has already taken part in "never walk alone" runs several times is Daniel Wyss, 55, a para-triathlete and police officer from Lyss.
Daniel Wyss started running back in the late 1980s. Longer distances followed later - including 16 participations in the legendary 100-kilometre run in Biel. Overloading was inevitable, so he gradually switched from running to cycling and then to triathlon. Although he couldn't even swim a crawl at first, he ventured into the long distance - and finished the Ironman Switzerland four times.
With willpower and determination
In 2013, a serious parachuting accident changed everything: Daniel lost his lower right leg and the function of his left foot. "The doctors told me at the time that I would probably never be able to walk without poles again," says the passionate para-triathlete, adding that he told them "that I had completed Ironman Switzerland four times and that I would be able to do it." With the determination to be able to do sport again, he started rehab. Today, the athlete is just as passionate about para-triathlon as he used to be: "I'm fascinated by pushing my own limits again and again."
But getting there was anything but easy. Because a prosthesis changes his life. Everyday things such as body and prosthesis care take up a lot of time. Everyday life is also physically challenging: the energy required to walk is around a third higher, so even climbing stairs becomes a strain. And then there is the psychological component: accepting the changed body and dealing with the effects on relationships, family and friends. Daniel Wyss' motto emphasises the strength with which he has managed everything: "You can either throw in the towel - or wipe the sweat off your face. It's your choice alone - never give up".
Back to sport
"An important step on my way back to sport was the PluSport never walk alone running programme," says the Bernese athlete. The programme is particularly close to his heart. Just a few months after his amputation, he was encouraged by his physiotherapist Francesca Brenni to take part in the Wings for Life World Run. Brenni is the owner of Agility Plus GmbH. She also works as a project manager for PluSport for sports with amputations. Dänu, as his friends call him, needed a good dose of courage. But it was worth it: "The moment when the wind blew in my face again and my prosthesis propelled me forward was an incredible feeling of happiness. It was the foundation stone for my return to sport.
Thanks to support from the PluSport sports prostheses and aids fund, Daniel Wyss was able to afford a customised running prosthesis. Such prostheses are expensive and can quickly cost around CHF 20,000, as in the case of the paratriathlete. But they are important in order to live an active and self-determined life. Since Wyss has been in possession of sports prostheses, he has regularly competed in never walk alone events: from the Bürenlauf to the Sarnerseelauf and the SwissCityMarathon - Lucerne. "Hardly anyone with an amputation manages distances over 10 kilometres," says the ambitious runner. This is because running with a prosthesis is a major challenge for athletes with amputations. However, with the right preparation, technical adjustments and plenty of stamina, the Bernese athlete is convinced that a lot is possible.
Back to the triathlon
Daniel Wyss didn't just stick to running. He ventured back into his passion, the triathlon. Over the past three years, he has competed internationally for Switzerland in para-triathlon. As the only para-triathlete for a long time, he acquired the necessary expertise himself and even financed his World Cup starts out of his own pocket. In the meantime, he came 9th in the world rankings in his category, but narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. He has been a member of the Swiss Triathlon Para-Triathlon Commission since last year. Switzerland now has around 15 classified para-triathletes. From 2026, a separate para series will even be launched for the first time - eight inclusive competitions over the sprint distance of 0.5 km swimming, 20 km cycling and 5 km running.
Daniel wouldn't be himself if he didn't also have a few competitions on his programme this year. His agenda includes the Uster Triathlon, the Powerman Duathlon in Zofingen, the Oberaargauer Trailrun and the triathlon in Yverdon. But the highlight of the season will be the Frankfurt Marathon in October. His goal is to run the 42 kilometres in under four hours. That would mean qualifying for the next Boston Marathon in the para category. However, there is one small drawback: as the marathon takes place on the same day as the SwissCityMarathon, he will not be at the start in Lucerne.
Daniel Wyss impressively demonstrates what is possible with courage, willpower and the right support. Even if he is not taking part in the SwissCityMarathon this year, he is an inspiration to us all - as a role model for how sport unites and overcomes boundaries. With this in mind: Never give up.
You can find more information about the PluSport running programme at: plusport.ch/nwa.
