From Handball to High Peaks: Jasmin Bambur’s Paralympic Journey
Jasmin Bambur, a five-time Paralympic skier, embodies resilience and the power of the human spirit. His journey, beginning with a promising career in handball, took a dramatic turn after a life-altering accident. Now, he’s preparing for his fifth Paralympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina, hoping to secure a coveted medal.
A Life Interrupted, A New Path Forged
At 20 years traditional, Bambur’s life changed forever. A car accident, resulting from falling asleep at the wheel after training, left him with a severe spinal cord injury and paraplegia. This initially halted his athletic pursuits, but a chance encounter with fellow Paralympians Sarah Will and Bert Burns, coupled with witnessing the 2006 Winter Paralympics, reignited his competitive fire.
“You kind of witness light on the end of the tunnel,” Bambur explained, “And you kind of realize that life is not over and that you’re going to be able to succeed if you apply yourself and if you have a passion for something.”
Winter Park: A Paralympic Pipeline
In 2008, Bambur moved to Grand County, Colorado, and joined the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) in Winter Park. He discovered the program after a simple Google search, but advisors confirmed its reputation as a leading training ground for Paralympic hopefuls.
“I Googled a couple of disabled programs, and I contacted some people, like, ‘Hey, what would be the best?’” Bambur recalled. “At that time, there were Aspen, Park City and Winter Park, and Winter Park is a powerhouse for disabled skiers.”
His dedication quickly paid off. Within his first year, he achieved podium finishes at the Europa Cup finals and placed third at U.S. Nationals, earning immediate acceptance and qualification.
From Serbia to Team USA
Bambur initially competed for Serbia, becoming the nation’s first-ever winter Paralympian in 2010. He later became a U.S. Citizen in 2010 and joined the U.S. Paralympic alpine skiing national team in 2012. The 2026 Games mark his fourth Paralympics representing Team USA.
Passing the Torch and a Final Push for Gold
Now residing in Vail with his wife Sarah and their three daughters – Lejla, Maja, and Adelyn – Bambur is focused on inspiring the next generation of skiers. His daughters are already showing promise, with Maja recently achieving a third-place finish in her age group at a race in Powderhorn.
While he placed 8th in the men’s slalom sit ski event and 16th in the giant slalom sit ski at the 2022 Beijing Games, Bambur is determined to secure a medal at what he anticipates will be his final Paralympic competition.
“Milan is gonna be a wrap on this block of my life,” Bambur stated. “I have a medal from other events, and I need to get one in the Paralympics.”
Bambur is competing alongside twelve other athletes trained by the NSCD. The opening ceremony for the Paralympic Games is scheduled for Friday, March 6, at 11:30 a.m. MT, and events will be streamed on Peacock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where did Jasmin Bambur begin his Paralympic journey?
A: He began his journey at the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, Colorado.
Q: What sport did Jasmin Bambur play before his accident?
A: He was a player on the U.S. National Handball team.
Q: How many Paralympic Games has Jasmin Bambur competed in?
A: He is competing in his fifth Paralympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina.
Q: What countries has Jasmin Bambur represented in the Paralympics?
A: He has represented both Serbia and the United States.
