# Blind Skater Marcelo Lusardi Inspires Through Viral Videos After losing his vision, Marcelo Lusardi redefined skateboarding through sensory adaptation and resilience. - **Source:** [La Nación](https://www.lanacion.com.ar) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/70396e14-d6b3-437f-83c9-db819270a546 ## Sudden Vision Loss In June 2015, at age 17, Marcelo Lusardi experienced a sudden onset of vision loss while celebrating San Juan. After months of medical uncertainty and misdiagnoses, he was officially diagnosed with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy on his 18th birthday. This rare genetic condition causes painless, rapid deterioration of central vision. ## Initial Social Withdrawal Following his diagnosis, Lusardi initially retreated from his social circle and abandoned his passion for skateboarding. He struggled with the psychological weight of his new reality, even feeling ashamed to use a white cane in public. This period of isolation lasted until he connected with a mentor who encouraged him. ## The Path to Rebirth A turning point occurred when a fellow skater invited him to step back onto his board to foster inclusion. This simple act sparked a personal rebirth, leading him to relearn his craft. He began using environmental cues like traffic noise, voices, and music to navigate urban spaces and regain his balance. ## Tactile Terrain Mapping Lusardi does not modify his skateboard, choosing instead to adapt his own techniques to the equipment. Before attempting tricks, he meticulously explores spots using his cane, feet, and hands. He identifies curbs, railings, and surface changes to build a mental map, often relying on sighted companions for additional safety details. ## Viral Digital Presence His journey gained international attention through the 2016 documentary The Blind Rider and his subsequent social media activity. Today, he commands over 125,000 followers on Instagram, where he shares videos of his technical tricks. Even legendary skater Tony Hawk has publicly recognized his skills, sharing Lusardi's content with his global audience. ## Advocacy and Inclusion Beyond his personal practice, Lusardi actively promotes adaptive sports. In 2024, he served as an ambassador for the first adaptive skate competition at O Marisquiño in Vigo. He initiated this event to create a dedicated space for athletes with various disabilities to showcase their talents and compete in a supportive environment. ## Technical Future Goals Despite his achievements, Lusardi remains focused on pushing his physical limits. He is currently training to master a specific trick: rotating the board beneath his feet while jumping down a staircase. He views this as a personal battle and a significant milestone in his ongoing evolution as a blind athlete. ## Symbol of Resilience Lusardi’s story illustrates the power of adaptation in the face of life-altering health challenges. With a tattoo of a skateboard and a cane on his arm, he represents a bridge between disability and extreme sports. His experience proves that passion can transcend physical limitations through persistence and community-driven support systems. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.lanacion.com.ar/lifestyle/es-como-volar-sin-ver-los-increibles-videos-del-argentino-que-perdio-la-vista-a-los-18-anos-e-nid05112026/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._