Wojtek Czyz’s retirement in October marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in the world of Para sports but it’s far from the conclusion of his impactful journey.
After transitioning from an athletic Paralympic champion to a trailblazer in Para badminton, Czyz leaves behind a legacy of dedication, advocacy and a deep love for the sport.
Reflecting on his badminton career, Czyz shared how his journey began just four years ago driven by a singular vision – to elevate the visibility of Para sports and challenge societal perceptions of athletes with disabilities.
“I picked up a racket because of a vision I had,” Czyz explained. “It’s not about medals. It’s about spreading a message of empowerment and awareness.”
His commitment required significant personal sacrifice. Whether it was funding travel, coaching, physiotherapy or even basic necessities, Czyz invested his life savings into this pursuit.
“We are talking big numbers. But I’ve always said it’s not about winning, it’s about creating change,” he said.
In Paris, though he lost all his group matches, Czyz achieved personal victories. He brought unprecedented attention to Para badminton, thanks in part to his collaboration with his friend, former Liverpool Football Club manager Jurgen Klopp.
Their collaboration, rooted in their shared belief in the power of sports to tell transformative stories, helped draw over four million viewers, amplifying the profile of Para badminton and the Paralympic movement as a whole.
“When Jurgen decided to come, it wasn’t just about me,” Czyz said. “We both believe in the impact sports create through the telling of incredible stories. That’s why he asked, ‘Why aren’t more people watching this?’”

Czyz (left) and Klopp speaking to reporters at Paris 2024.
Looking back on his journey, Czyz takes immense pride in the progress made on and off the court.
“My biggest success is that I started from zero with just a belief and a mission. There were so many doubts but I pushed through. To see the growth in Para sports is simply wonderful,” he said.
His advocacy also sparked change in his adopted country, where his efforts led to an independent review of the treatment of athletes with disabilities within Badminton New Zealand.
Though his playing days have ended, Czyz’s connection to Para badminton remains as strong as ever. He completed a Level One Coaching Course with Badminton Oceania in November and plans to give back, particularly in the Pacific Islands.
“Badminton Oceania’s support has been incredible. I can combine my coaching with my Sailing for Handicaps project, helping amputees get prosthetics while introducing them to the sport.”
Looking ahead, Czyz hinted at a bigger project with Klopp for the coming year.
“Don’t worry, the BWF will be the first to know,” he teased.
In addition to his coaching endeavours, Czyz has turned to tennis, which he finds gentler on the body, and may explore competitive opportunities in the future.
Yet, his heart remains steadfastly committed to the growth of Para badminton.
“I’ve fallen in love with this sport,” Czyz shared. “Now, it’s time to help others see just how great it truly is.”