Retour
Adam Golebiewski has taken up skiing following the horror crash(Image: UGC)
A promising young goalkeeper who lost both his legs after a car crash has found a new passion after taking up skiing. Adam Golebiewski was only 17 when he was involved in a horror crash in Macduff in September 2024.
He had been travelling home with friends after a night out when the collision happened and he was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where medics told him he would need a double amputation below the knee. Adam, from Banff, celebrated his 18th birthday in hospital while undergoing three months rehabilitation at Woodend Hospital and was fitted for prosthetics.
Having played for North of Scotland side Deveronside, Adam, now 20, has now found "freedom" in skiing - and his coach believes he could compete at a future Paralympic Winter Games.
Adam in Colorado as he trains as a para biathlete - a sport which combines para cross-country skiing and shooting.(Image: Adam Golebiewski/Facebook)
Speaking to BBC Scotland, Adam said: "I don't actually think of my injuries when I'm on the board - I just forget that I have them.
"I just feel so free and I just forget about everything else."
Now a member of Huntly Nordic Ski Club, Adam is showing a flair for para-cross country skiing. He uses a special sit-ski with a board and wheels - which can be replaced by skis when training or competing on snow.
Adam says skiing has given him "a bit of freedom again"(Image: UGC)
Although he had no previous experience of the sport, Adam is now qualified to enter international competitions as a para biathlete - an event which included cross-country skiing and shooting.
Earlier this year, he travelled to America to train on snow and has travelled to Italy and Germany as well. He added: "In Colorado, I didn't really know anybody and I was quite nervous to go and try it out, but once I was on the snow I was completely fine - even though I fell about 40 times.
Adam Golebiewski in Colorado earlier this year.(Image: Adam Golebiewski/Facebook)
"Then Italy, that was another good experience where I I tried biathlon, which is skiing and shooting.
"The last trip I was recently on was Oberhof in Germany which was again just an improvement from the first time being away on snow, and I learned a lot more again."
Adam previously said that he was “thankful and grateful” to be home and walking again for Christmas 2024 and he has gone from strength to strength since. Last year, he became a dad for the first time.
Adam practising his shooting skills.(Image: Adam Golebiewski/Facebook)
He now hopes his story can be an inspiration to others in times of adversity. Adam added: "I think they should just give it a go because you never know what could happen.
"Since I've started skiing, I've loved every minute of it. I never knew any of this would happen so quickly. It's just given me a bit of freedom again."
Adam Golebiewski lost both legs following the crash(Image: UGC)
Simon Bate of Snowsport Scotland is Adam's coach and, as a result of his progress so far, he believes that competing at the 2030 Paralympic Winter Games in the French Alpes could be a realistic target.
He said: "From when I first met him as an 18-year-old and he just had this real maturity and positive outlook.
Adam, who was 17 at the time of the crash, was a promising goalkeeper(Image: UGC)
"He's always been very very up for what we've suggested in terms of the training, he's really keen to work hard. He's definitely got the potential - and I think he's going to do well."
Arran Paterson admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving, being over the drink-drive limit and driving without insurance following the crash on September 8 2024. He was sentenced to a total of 32 months detention at a young offenders' institution at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.