How Did Marcel Eric Hug Lose His Ability to Walk? Rare Condition of Boston Marathon 2024 Winner on Wheelchair

Despite not being a worthy tournament for the Olympic Trials fate, athletes and spectators alike were anticipating the 2024 Boston Marathon. Even though the event featured many prominent personalities on the tracks, all eyes were set on Marcel Eric Hug as he stood on the starting line.

Keeping up with expectations, Marcel Eric Hug, emerged victorious in the Men’s Wheelchair division at the Boston Marathon. Not only this but as he raced, he went on to better his course record in the process. However, the journey to beating his previous record was not as easy as it may seem.

From wheelchair to racing tracks

Now 38, Marcel Eric Hug was born with a unique disease called Spina Bifida that led to the incomplete closing of his backbone and membranes surrounding the spinal cord. Even though his rare congenital condition transitioned his legs to a wheelchair, it was not enough to restrict him from racing.

For years, Hug trained at the Swiss Paraplegic Centre and soon endorsed the world’s fastest racing wheelchair. But, as he improved in racing, he realized the lack of a fully functioning wheelchair. Therefore, he collaborated with the team at Swiss to make it easier for all wheelchair users.

In an exclusive interview with Sports Business Journal, he said, “So they developed a machine where we can find the best sitting position in the racing chair, but also a good sitting position in a daily wheelchair.” Since then, Hug not only offered freedom of movement to all wheelchair users but also continued to add to his illustrious racing career. However, his hunger to accomplish more has not been quenched yet.

Hugs’ way of finishing the 2024 Boston Marathon

Marcel Eric Hug finished off with defending his sixth Boston Marathon title. As Hug stood on the starting line, he was all set to showcase prowess on the tracks this season. Consequently, he made a powerful start and secured a lead of over one minute in the process. Moving on, as he reached the halfway point, he was already 30 seconds ahead compared to the pace for a course record.

But, as he reached the Newton Hills, his seemingly insurmountable advantage turned out to be a major obstacle. When he took a corner, he realized that it was too quick, resulting in a collision with a barrier. However, this obstacle was not enough to overcome his unwavering determination. As he was unharmed, he immediately recovered and within a few minutes, Hug was back on the track with his wheelchair.

“It was my fault. I had too much weight, too much pressure from above my steering, so it didn’t steer properly,” said Hug after the completion of the race. At 1:15:33, he finished the race, securing two minutes above his last record. Finally, Marcel Eric Hug added another accolade to his long list of achievements, featuring over 21 major victories and over three dozen Paralympic and World Championships titles.