Paralysed student, who defied doubters by graduating as a doctor, now aims for Paralympics

Xander paddles a va’a. Credit: Xander van der Poll

By Ellie Philpotts

A medical student who was paralysed during his degree has not only qualified as a doctor but hopes to compete at the next Paralympic Games.

Dr Xander Van der Poll has been paralysed from the waist down since 2018, when, aged 19, he fell from a tree. But just 6 years later he has graduated from the University of Bristol, defying some who thought his hopes of a medical career were over.

After falling 3 metres, breaking his back and puncturing a lung, Dr Van der Poll underwent 9 hours in the operating theatre where he had recently completed work experience. He spent a total of 4 months in hospital.

Told his limits

“I was in incredible pain for a few weeks and I was really worried about all the things I couldn’t do,” he said. “I thought I wouldn’t be able to be a doctor, play rugby or just have a normal life.