Jasiek Mela had a serious accident at the age of 13. He escaped a heavy storm into the dangerous building of an electric transformer station – and received an electric shock of 15 000 V voltage. As a result he lost his left shin and right forearm. Currently Jasiek walks on a prosthetic leg.

In 2004 he reached together with Marek Kamiński both the North Pole and the South Pole and became the youngest and the only disabled person who accomplished it. Jasiek decided in 2008 to found his own foundation – “Poza Horozyonty” (“Beyond the Horizons”), which helps disabled people, in particular those affected by accidents. In August 2009 Jasiek Mela reached Elbrus – the highest top of the Caucasus Mountains. Later that year he ran the New York City Marathon. In his free time he travels by hitchhiking, makes photos in abandoned buildings, sews on the sewing machine and walks on slackline.

Check Jasiek’s work as a professional speaker. Click here to view Jasiek’s speaker profile.

PUBLICATIONS:

BOOKS:

• Poza Horyzonty

DVD’S / FILMS:

• Mój Biegun – the film shows history of Jasiek Mela

AWARDS RECEIVED:

• Man without Barriers Award (2004)
• Phenomenon of Przekroj Weekly Magazine (2005)
• Colossus category Achievement of the Year for gaining both Poles of the Earth in the age of 15 (2004)
• Marcin Kołodyński Award 5, 10 and further (2005)
• “Cristals of Zwierciadło Magazine” Statue for activities to the benefit of disabled as part of the “Beyond Horizons” Foundation  2009)[11]

PHOTOS: