At only 24 years old, Théo Curin is already leading a second professional career as a host at the helm of “Slam”. A great revenge on life for this disabled young man who can do (almost) everything like the others! Driving too?
Handisport swimmer Théo Curin, originally from Lunéville (Lorraine), had all four limbs amputated following meningitis contracted at the age of 6. But the young man with the smile continually plastered on his face has since demonstrated a strength of life that arouses admiration. He lives his life as “normally” as possible in all areas. Can he drive a car?
Théo Curin at the wheel? His wish since he was 18
Guest of the show Roole on Youtube, in 2022, Théo Curin spoke about his life as a disabled driver to the host and journalist Lionel Robert. “Being able to ride, for me, is autonomy (…) It was one of my priorities when I was about to turn 18: to have a license like any guy my age. But it was quite paradoxical and scary for me, because I said to myself: ‘But what am I going to do?’ (…) In the end, I enrolled in a normal driving school and they played the game 100%“, he said.
However, Théo Curin cannot drive just any car and getting his license required an even greater financial effort than other learner drivers. “What was quite complicated was that I had to buy my own car before getting my license so that I could spend my driving hours and my license in my own car.“, he added. The young man then bought a vehicle which was adapted to his specific needs and was able to drive in it. Théo Curin has been driving since he was 18 like many other young people.
Is Théo Curin comfortable driving?
The sportsman and former participant of the Rio Paralympic Games “likes to drive, travel and take long trips“despite his severe handicap. He can drive alone but recognizes that he sometimes experiences some difficulties… like when he has to pay at the gas station.
“In some stations, you have to pay automatically at the terminal, and there it is very difficult to put the card in the small slot. And above all to remove the card. So I make sure to go to gas stations where the store still exists and where I can pay directly.“, he simply explained, adding that he also has a toll badge on his car to make his life easier.
