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Drone racing lends pilot with spinal muscular atrophy wings

December 6, 2025

Luisa Rizzo feels most at home when piloting a drone. Being born with spinal muscular atrophy means Luisa spends much of her time in a wheelchair, and drone racing has given her a sense of freedom and purpose.

https://p.dw.com/p/54qwA

Drone racing isn't just a hobby for 22-year-old Luisa Rizzo - it's a passion that's transformed her life. When piloting her drone, either as a cinematographer, or as one of the foremost pilots in the fast-growing sport of drone racing, Luisa is consumed by joyful freedom. Being born with spinal muscular atrophy means Luisa spends much of her time in a wheelchair, and she feels best when flying. Can she continue her sporting success at the highly competitive World Cup?

Miguel Cano | VJ-Porträt
Miguel Cano Reporter and video journalist
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Everything we know about life can be found in sports: Success and failure, euphoria and despair. Sports Life tells stories from across the globe, where sports drives personal growth and changes lives.