Sara Vaelin

—Sara Vaelin

**Sara Vaelin** (January 17th 1995) suffer an accident when she was 23 years old, she decided to climb on top of the hexagon. A misstep led her to fall, resulting in an irreversible injury to her spine. This accident rendered Sara a paraplegic. Despite her disability, Sarah channeled her passion and expertise into mentoring young fighters. She provides invaluable insights, techniques, and guidance, encompassing both physical training and mental resilience. In addition, Sarah has carved a niche as a fitness coach, specializing in training individuals with disabilities.

Accident
On a fateful day in 2020, Sara Vaelin's life changed irrevocably. The training gym was unusually humid that day, with the faint aroma of sweat and disinfectant filling the air. The muffled sounds of gloves striking pads and grunts of exertion formed the day's typical soundtrack.
Having just completed an intense sparring session, Sara, feeling invigorated and perhaps slightly overconfident, decided to climb atop the hexagon to address her training mates and perhaps share some insights. The metal structure, slick from the day's humidity and faintly glistening with perspiration from previous bouts, proved treacherous. As Sara was positioning herself, her foot slipped on a wet patch. She tried to regain her balance, her arms flailing in a desperate attempt to find something to grab onto, but it was to no avail.
The fall seemed to happen in slow motion to the onlookers. Her descent was met with collective gasps from those around. She landed awkwardly, the thud echoing in the otherwise silent gym. Everyone rushed to her side, but the immediate realization was grim: Sara couldn't feel her legs. The impact had caused irreversible damage to her spine, turning that triumphant moment atop the hexagon into a life-altering event.

Rehabilitation Journey
The weeks following the accident were a whirlwind of hospital visits, tests, and the crushing reality of Sara's new condition. The once powerful legs that she had taken so much pride in, the ones that opponents feared, began to change. Without neural signals directing them, her muscles started to atrophy. The legs that were once hard as rock, displaying intricate tattoos over chiseled muscles, began to lose their tone, becoming as flaccid as jelly. The transformation was not just physical; it was emotionally devastating for Sara.
The initial days were focused on adapting to her new reality. Learning to perform basic tasks from her wheelchair, understanding her body's new limitations, and retraining her muscles became the daily regimen. The process was slow and often frustrating, as Sara grappled with bouts of anger, sadness, and despair.
Physical therapy sessions were intense. While her legs could not be revived to their former glory, it was crucial to maintain as much muscle mass as possible to prevent complications. Electrical muscle stimulation was used to activate the leg muscles, trying to slow down the atrophy. Water therapy was introduced, allowing Sara to move in ways she couldn't on land, providing both physical relief and a much-needed mental escape.
Equally important was her mental and emotional rehabilitation. Therapy sessions with a renowned sports psychologist, became an essential aspect of her recovery. These sessions focused on rebuilding her identity, processing grief for her lost career, and finding new purpose and direction.
Sara's fighting spirit began to shine through once more as she started to set new goals for herself. With the unwavering support of her rehab team, family, and the MMA community, Sara Vaelin took her first steps towards a new chapter in her life.

Appearance
While her spinal injury has significantly altered her lower body, Sara's upper body remains a testament to her commitment to fitness. Her shoulders are broad and muscular, leading to well-defined biceps and triceps. Her back muscles ripple with every movement, showcasing her dedication to adaptive fitness training.
Her posture, due to the impact of the injury on her abdominal muscles, is slightly curved. However, this doesn't diminish her aura of strength. Her legs, having lost their former muscle tone, contrast with her upper body. But even in their changed state, they carry the memories of the power they once held.
Standing at 5'7" (170 cm) tall before her accident, Sara Vaelin was of an average height for a female MMA fighter. This stature, combined with her technique and strength, made her a formidable opponent in the ring. Even in her wheelchair, her height is noticeable, particularly in her upright upper body posture and broad shoulders.
Sara's legs, once the pillars of her strength and the embodiment of her prowess in the MMA arena, have undergone a profound transformation since her accident. The aftermath of her spinal injury has left these legs without their former muscle tone. What was once solid and hard as rock, has now softened, the muscles having atrophied due to the lack of neural stimulation. The flaccid nature of her legs starkly contrasts with her muscular upper body, serving as a poignant reminder of the duality of her journey – from an MMA champion to an inspiring mentor and coach.
Her feet, often clad in adaptive footwear, rest comfortably on the footrests of her wheelchair. The shoes are practical yet stylish, chosen not only for ease but also to complement her athletic attire.

Personality
Sara Vaelin is a figure of unwavering determination and resilience. Her fighting spirit, once confined to the MMA ring, now permeates every facet of her life, especially as she navigates her new reality. Despite her circumstances, Sara fiercely values her independence, often hesitating to accept help from others as she prefers to face challenges on her own terms. This autonomy, however, doesn't dampen her profound empathy. She connects deeply with her mentees, drawing from her personal trials to offer understanding and support. Adaptable by nature, she's reinvented her dreams and identity after the accident with commendable grace. Sara's journey, punctuated by grit and passion, is an inspiring tapestry of persistence and spirit. And even amidst adversity, her sharp wit and infectious humor shine, bringing light and laughter to those around her

Curiosities* + Idol Trainer: Sara once lent her fitness expertise to an underground idol group named "Rolling Melodies." She helped them with stamina and strength training, ensuring their performances were both vocally and physically top-notch.
	+ Nature Lover: Sara enjoys the outdoors and loves bird-watching. It's a hobby she picked up during her rehab, finding peace and perspective in nature's simplicity.
	+ Hidden Talent: She can solve a Rubik's Cube in under two minutes, a skill she learned during her early MMA days as a means to improve hand-eye coordination.
	+ Film Buff: Sara has an impressive collection of 80's and 90's action movies. She jokes that they were her "tactical training" before official MMA lessons.