From the Westfjords to the Paralympics
Meet Arna Sigríður, a 35 year old athlete and sports scientist from Ísafjörður.
Arna Sigríður is a 35 year old athlete and sports scientist from Ísafjörður. She will be the first Icelandic woman to compete in both the Winter- and Summer Paralympic Games. Her life took an unexpected turn at age 16 when she had an accident during a ski training trip in Norway, resulting in a spinal cord injury. What was once taken for granted suddenly became impossible. But despite the setback, she found new paths.
"When I was 16 and sustained a spinal cord injury during a ski training trip in Norway, I could never have dreamed that now I would become the first Icelandic woman to compete in both the Winter- and Summer Paralympics."
Beginnings on the slopes
Arna grew up in a family where outdoor activities and skiing were an integral part of daily life. Her first time on skis was at the age of two and soon she began training in alpine skiing and competing in domestic events. She participated in the ‘Andrés Önd’ competitions and various cup events across the country, and it quickly became clear that she had a special passion for skiing.
"I was born and raised in Ísafjörður, Westfjords and was very active in sports from a young age. I started skiing at two years old with my family and around age eight began training in alpine skiing."
The accident during training in Norway was a shock, but with the support of family and friends, she learned to rebuild her life, from using a wheelchair to finding strength and independence in daily life.
"I was incredibly lucky to have amazing people around me during rehabilitation. Their support meant a lot, but I had to reevaluate everything in life, learn everything again, how to live with a spinal cord injury, and use a wheelchair. For someone used to being very active, it was a shock and a major challenge to start all over again."
Handcycling after the accident
After the accident, Arna Sigríður discovered handcycling, which became her way to get back into nature and regain freedom of movement. The handcycle allowed her to strengthen her body, build endurance, and recover a sense of independence, something she had not felt since the injury.
"This was the first opportunity where I felt the sense of freedom under my own power again to move fast, feel the speed, and interact with nature, just as I had before the accident."
Arna’s athletic career truly began after the accident. She undertook intensive strength training to become stronger and to make daily life easier, getting into a car, moving out of bed, and performing tasks that had once been effortless. She enjoyed it immensely and gradually started handcycling at home in Ísafjörður to get back outdoors and channel her energy in nature.
Arna has competed in numerous international events, including World Cup races, World Championships, and the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. With each training session, she has increased both her strength and endurance, and the handcycle has become her primary tool for outdoor activity and exercise during the summer.
"The handcycle gave me back the sense of freedom, speed, and connection to nature, the same freedom that skiing gave me before the accident."
Gliding on cross-country skis
In recent years, Arna has also dedicated herself to cross-country skiing, where endurance and speed combine similarly to handcycling. She competes in both sprint and middle-distance events and trains six days a week on skis, along with strength training three times per week.
"What excites me most about cross-country skiing and handcycling is that both require endurance. I can cycle in the summer and ski in the winter and enjoy the outdoors in every season."
Her goal is to gain experience and savor the invaluable opportunity to participate in the Paralympics, the premier stage for athletes with disabilities.
“My role models are my training partners. Meeting others with similar disabilities and witnessing the dedication they show, even after serious setbacks, means so much to me.”
Finding her own path
Arna wants to encourage anyone facing challenges to find their own path to movement. She believes that getting outdoors, experiencing freedom, and enjoying physical activity can strengthen both the body and mind. For her, the key is finding the right outdoor activity and the tools needed to get started.
“What drives me is the wind in my face, the thrill of moving fast, and the freedom I feel on both skis and a handcycle. The greatest gift you can give your body and mind is simply to get outside and connect with nature.”
Arna Sigríður’s story goes beyond sports. It’s about overcoming obstacles, discovering your own path, and embracing the outdoors and physical activity on your own terms. 66°North wishes Arna the very best at the Paralympics and in every challenge, she takes on.
