In this edition of the Masterclasses of Managerial Excellence, we had the “immense privilege of welcoming Victor Thoonsen, an athlete and entrepreneur whose journey is a true life lesson. French vice-champion in para-cycling track and co-creator of the brand Moxo, Victor embodies resilience, determination, and” optimism. Let’s revisit the highlights of this inspiring exchange!
A Young BMX Prodigy
Victor began his sporting career at 4 years old, and at only 9, he participated in the BMX World Championships in the Netherlands. However, his journey took a brutal turn during this competition: an accident left him with right hemiplegia, loss of speech, and significant aftereffects. Despite this setback, Victor refused to be defeated. After three weeks in a coma, he began an intense rehabilitation that would mark the beginning of his incredible resilience.
Return to School: a Struggle for Autonomy
Barely six months after his accident, Victor returned to school. Although his communication difficulties made this period extremely challenging, he strived to keep up with his able-bodied classmates. This determination led him to obtain an STG baccalaureate, a BTS in commerce, and a degree in commercial development, proving that hard work can overcome many obstacles.
Cycling: a New Passion and Therapy
Unable to continue BMX, Victor turned to track cycling, a discipline better suited to his physical capabilities. Cycling then became much more than a sport: a form of rehabilitation. Today, after ten years of practice, he competes alongside able-bodied athletes and rejoices in being able to match, or sometimes even surpass them. In 2022, he secured the title of French vice-champion, a brilliant comeback in life.
Moxo: an Invention Serving Accessibility
In 2016, Victor co-created with his father the brand Moxo, specializing in electric tricycles for people with disabilities. Born from his own experience of living in a wheelchair, this project aims to improve mobility for disabled people, while offering a fun and modern design. Thanks to aid from the MDPH and the Lion’s Club, these tricycles are often accessible for free, enhancing the social impact of the project.
Mental Preparation and Obstacle Management
Victor emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, whether in sports or professional life. Just as he rehearses his speeches in front of a mirror before delivering them in public, he visualizes his races to maximize his performance. According to him, failure is never an end, but an opportunity to learn and bounce back.
Support from Family and Teams
Victor attributes a large part of his success to his family, a true pillar that has supported him at every stage of his journey. His father, also his coach, played an essential role in encouraging him to surpass his limits. In both sports and his business, Victor emphasizes the importance of collective effort and mutual support.
A Message of Hope and Inspiration
Victor concludes his testimony with this phrase that perfectly summarizes his philosophy: “Disability is not a brake, but a driving force.” He illustrates this conviction by showing that a resilient spirit can transform the greatest challenges into opportunities.
Don’t miss the next Masterclass!