Manuel Bortuzzo reports broken wheelchair after flight

Manuel Bortuzzo, a Paralympic swimmer who became paralyzed after an accident in 2019, has reported damage to his wheelchair upon returning from a trip to Africa with his girlfriend. According to reports, the wheelchair was returned to him in unusable condition.

Bortuzzo expressed his dissatisfaction through social media, calling the incident "shameful" and emphasizing that the wheelchair represents his freedom of movement. His complaint has raised concerns about the negligence with which airlines manage mobility aids.

Additionally, the swimmer noted that he has a spare wheelchair, but highlighted that many individuals with disabilities do not have access to such resources. He received hundreds of supportive messages, along with testimonies from other passengers who experienced similar service disruptions.

The airline involved, Ethiopian Airlines, has not yet released an official statement regarding this situation. Bortuzzo announced his intention to file a complaint for the damage incurred.