Only Two Fingers on His Left Hand on the Podium... Indomitable Medalists That Moved Milan
Canadian short track athlete Florence Brunelle won a silver medal at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics despite being born with only two fingers on his left hand.
The article discusses the inspiring feats of athletes like Florence Brunelle, a Canadian short track skater who won a silver medal in the mixed relay at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics, despite having only two fingers on his left hand. Brunelle's unique condition posed significant challenges in a sport that heavily relies on hand strength and technique, especially during cornering, but he adapted with modified gloves and intense training to achieve his remarkable performance.
Brunelle's journey in sports began with various activities before he settled on ice skating, debuting on the senior stage at the age of 17 and participating in the Beijing Winter Olympics at just 19, where he faced setbacks. However, his perseverance led him to success, earning his first Olympic medal on his second attempt. Moreover, he aims to compete in another event at the Olympics, indicating that his story of resilience continues.
In contrast, Swiss skier Franjo von Almen also exemplified determination, claiming three gold medals at the Olympics despite personal hardships following his father's death when he was 17. Forced to work as a carpenter due to financial struggles, he never abandoned his goal of becoming an athlete. His recent achievements in downhill skiing and other events demonstrate his dedication and the powerful narrative of overcoming adversity through sports.