Matthias Walkner: Fight for a comeback in a moving documentary on ORF 1

Matthias Walkner: Fight for a comeback in a moving documentary on ORF 1

The Dakar Rally is known as the ultimate challenge in motorsport. It was launched in 1978 and has been inspiring athletes and spectators alike ever since. The first rally went from Paris to Dakar and posed a tremendous logistical and sporting challenge. The event has also become famous for tragic incidents such as the death of Thierry Sabine, the rally's founder, in a helicopter crash in 1986. Despite the challenges, the rally attracts participants worldwide and has relocated to Saudi Arabia in 2020, where participants can explore new, exciting terrain, despite criticism of the human rights situation in the region ( motorcyclesports.net ).

A well-known face of the Dakar Rally is Matthias Walkner. The 38-year-old Austrian motorcyclist made motorsport history in 2018 when he won the rally in the motorcycle classification. But in 2023, Walkner suffered significant injuries in a serious training accident in the USA, forcing him to fight for his career and the preservation of his leg. The former champion had to miss the 2024 rally due to his injuries ( ots.at, speedweek.com ).

The documentation about Walkner's way back

The documentary “Matthias Walkner – My Longest Stage” will be broadcast on ORF 1 on March 26, 2025. This documentary, produced by Christian Prates, follows Walkner during a year in which he faced the challenges of his serious injuries and rehabilitation. The documentary promises a deep insight into Walkner's fighting spirit and his will to get back in the saddle after undergoing an intensive series of surgeries and therapies. From the initial treatment in the USA to his stay in the accident hospital in Graz and finally the rehabilitation in Tobelbad, the film shows his moving journey back into life and sport.

Walkner, who had already prepared intensively for the rally, had to rethink his plans after the accident. He received not only medical care, but also psychological support to overcome the mental challenges that come with such an accident. The documentary brings together his personal experiences and shows what it means to deal with setbacks as an athlete ( ots.at, speedweek.com ).

The documentary's broadcast dates are not only an opportunity for motorsport fans to observe Walkner's indomitable will, but also for anyone interested in stories of overcoming and fighting spirit. The 20-minute program will also be available online on the ORF platform and is a valuable narrative about the challenges and triumphs in an athlete's life ( ots.at ).