Meet Yoann, an engineer at Airbus Defence and Space and also a talented wheelchair tennis player. Recognised by the French Tennis Federation as a promising athlete, Yoann has set his sights on a challenging goal: to regain his position as one of France's top players and secure a spot in the highly anticipated 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
With the support of Airbus, he has attended numerous tennis championships, training diligently to achieve his dream. His journey to become a Paralympic champion is truly inspiring and we look forward to seeing his success come true.
The most difficult barriers to overcome are the ones we impose on ourselves.
Meet Yoann, an engineer at Airbus Defence and Space and also a talented wheelchair tennis player. Recognised by the French Tennis Federation as a promising athlete, Yoann has set his sights on a challenging goal: to regain his position as one of France's top players and secure a spot in the highly anticipated 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
A story of resilience
Yoann's life story is a source of inspiration. Motivated to succeed in all aspects of his life, he has transformed challenges in his life into opportunities.
At the tender age of 15, Yoann's world was shattered when he received a diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Over the next five years, he faced numerous setbacks and relapses. Eventually, a full-leg amputation led to remission, but adjusting to his new physical reality was difficult, and he battled with depression. However, his studies and rekindling his passion for sports helped him find his way. With an unwavering desire to excel, Yoann earned his degree and embarked on a career as an engineer, first in the nuclear industry and later at Airbus Defence and Space.
At the age of 23, Yoann discovered wheelchair tennis, a game that would change his life forever. Through his drive and excellent results on the tennis courts, he quickly rose to the top, securing a spot amongst the best french players. At the 2019 French championship, his exceptional abilities earned him the coveted top spot in the first series category, recognising the nation's finest talents.
With this ambitious goal of qualifying for the 2024 Paralympic Games, I want to prove that disability is far from being a limitation and that we can achieve all our dreams when we are fueled with motivation and commitment.
Work life balance
Yoann's achievements extend beyond tennis. He finds fulfillment in both his personal life, and professional life where he is an engineer for the Space Systems Programme Line of Airbus Defence and Space, overseeing quality control for electronic equipment. Yoann has found a way to perform in his work while pursuing his passions.
Embarking on the path to greatness
From 2020, Yoann has been dreaming of qualifying for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Aware that this passion required full-time, intensive training, Yoann found support from senior members of the Airbus Defence and Space team. And was granted a sabbatical year to focus on his training to reach the highest level in the hope of qualifying for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
"We believe in Yoann's potential and are proud he is an ambassador of Airbus’ inclusion & diversity, inspiring everyone to reach for the stars. “Yoann is a living proof that there is no barrier to achieving professional success and fulfilling one's dreams at Airbus” commented Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Space Systems and President of Airbus Defence and Space.
With determination and an unwavering focus, Yoann embarked on a marathon of training in September 2022. His rigorous schedule consisted of tournaments, aimed at steadily climbing the ranks and solidifying his position as one of the top four French players. His ultimate aim was clear—to represent his beloved country at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
We believe in Yoann's potential and are proud he is an ambassador of Airbus’ inclusion & diversity, inspiring everyone to reach for the stars. Yoann is a living proof that there is no barrier to achieving professional success and fulfilling one's dreams at Airbus.
Jean-Marc Nasr, President of Airbus Defence and Space SAS.
The journey begins
In recent months, Yoann has resumed his intensive training and dedicates around twenty hours per week to his fitness regime. He has participated in international wheelchair tennis tournaments in Tel Aviv, Tenerife, Chili, Argentina,Turkey, Italy, Switzerland, the last two where he won his first trophies.
"I have made technical progress, and the efforts are starting to pay off as I have begun to climb the world rankings," he says. "I am part of the France 2024 team for the Olympic Games and among the top 8 French players. But I still need to continue improving my world ranking. Currently ranked 90th in single and 70th in double, my goal is to break into the Top 80 by September of this year and reach the Top 40 by 2024."
There is still time for Yoann to make it, as the qualifications will take place in July 2024, just two months before the Paralympic Games.
As the world eagerly awaits the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, our eyes at Airbus will be on Yoann Quilliou, as he strives to etch his name in history and prove that disability is not a hindrance to greatness.
If you wish to stay updated and follow Yoann's inspiring journey, you can keep up with him on Instagram.
At Airbus, we know that the strength of our success lies in diversity. Every employee is encouraged to be themselves, whatever their background or characteristics. Airbus is a welcoming company where employees with disabilities have the same opportunities for development, as was the case for Yoann. We aim that every member of our team can achieve his or her goals and develop professionally and personally.
A complete, multi-disciplinary ecosystem (occupational physicians, nurses, social workers, prevention department, Human Resources, external consultant, etc.) and a Mission Handicap are at the service of the people concerned, in order to provide solutions adapted to each situation. Our colleagues with disabilities can obtain specific adjustments to their workstations, advice or specific support.
Airbus is the place for all to be.
