Sightless Ex-Race Car Driver Gets Back Behind the Wheel After Many Years of Blindness
Roberto “Kaki” Rivas: A Journey from Racing to Rediscovery
In the realm of motor racing, few narratives resonate with the heartbreak and tenacity of Roberto “Kaki” Rivas. In the late 1990s, Rivas, an aspiring racer, soared through the ranks of Argentine motor sports. His triumph in the TC Pista series during his inaugural season launched him into Turismo Carretera, the apex of Argentine racing. However, an unexpected tragedy occurred at age 24 when Rivas fell victim to a robbery, resulting in a gunshot wound that rendered him blind. This event abruptly brought his racing career to a halt.
Nevertheless, Rivas’s fervor for racing remained steadfast. His lasting affection for the sport was reignited in December 2023, when video clips showcased him driving an off-road vehicle across the vast sand dunes near Pinamar, Buenos Aires. The videos, posted on Rivas’s Instagram, portray a scene filled with adventure and companionship as he maneuvers the beach terrain alongside a friend. Thrilled by this moment, Rivas playfully asked on social media: “What do you think? Should I speed up?”
Rivas’s story of triumph over adversity extends beyond racing. After stepping away from the tracks, he embraced a new endeavor: Paralympic tennis. He was drawn to the sport’s dependence on sound and hearing, which ultimately led to his selection for the Argentine national team. Rivas expresses the exhilaration of mastering the game and representing his country with vigor, aiming to become a world champion.
As Rivas adapted to life without sight, his hope for the future remains bright. He clings to the possibility that technological advancements might someday restore his vision, enabling him to see his daughter’s face for the first time. Until then, Rivas finds joy in the simple things in life. Reflecting on his experiences, he contemplates, “Now I am happy with little… Really, did I enjoy life? Did I relish the moment? I don’t know, I doubt it.”
Roberto “Kaki” Rivas’s journey from the racetrack to a vibrant existence post-blindness showcases unwavering determination and a joyous acceptance of life’s gifts. Although his perspective may have changed, his passion for racing and life persists as brilliantly as ever.
For more on Roberto “Kaki” Rivas, visit his [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/kakirivas/).
Sources:
– [Roberto “Kaki” Rivas on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/C1QQSb_LZcR/)
– [Kaki Rivas: “Sigo creyendo que algún día algo se inventará y podré recuperar la vista”](https://www.infobae.com/reportajes/2024/09/24/kaki-rivas-sigo-creyendo-que-algun-dia-algo-se-inventara-y-podre-recuperar-la-vista/)
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