Timo Ameruoso - That's how he rolls

When did you last laugh heartily and what about?

Timo Ameruoso: I guess it was the day before yesterday when my wife made a joke about herself. But I also like joking around about myself. Also during the training with the horses and other people. I think we all should not take ourselves too serious.

What have you always been wanting to do and why have you never done this so far?

Timo Ameruoso: I cannot think of anything very adventurous. I never wanted to swim with sharks or anything like this! But what I would really like to do would be traveling to the USA. So far I couldn't make it because I had no time. And why the USA? In 1999 I had a second accident after which I lapsed into a coma. When I woke up again, I thought I was in the USA. Since then I want to travel there - at least one time a year. So I really have to go there one day. Maybe next year.

Which person has influenced you most?

Timo Ameruoso: Let me think. There are more than just one. My parents, especially my father. Both campaign for justice, no matter what happened before.
But also my role models Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee, because they have a very good attitude towards life and don't let their free spirits be influenced by authorities. They are responsible for their views with every consequence. This is not typical nowadays.

You have the chance to become the German Federal Commissioner for the Disabled. What would you do first?

Timo Amerouso: I would make sure that inclusion would be implemented - on both sides! A blind friend of mine from Italy has always been in a normal class at school. That's the way it should be in Germany as well. It would also be important for me that everybody knows that he or she can do something very good. That they have a talent. Everyboday has one. And people should make the best of it. Oh, and I would make sure, that there are special tickets for people with disabilities who react annoyed to people who ask them whether they need help or not in a friendly way.

Your life is made into a film: Who would represent you?

Timo Ameruoso: Hm... Bruce Lee would have been good, because as far as I know he was in a wheelchair as well for some time. And because he is a fighter and an unconventional thinker. But he is no longer alive, so unfortunately it's not possible.

I would like to be ...

Timo Ameruoso: Timo Ameruoso. Because I do not want to swap with anybody. Also not with Bruce Lee. Because Timo is Timo. And it is okay this way. Although there were hard times for me. I think everybody should try to come to terms with oneself.

Which questions would you like answered the most?

Timo Ameruoso: Will everything indeed be good at the end? Are we really alone in the universe? What comes after death? What or who is God?

What I finally want to say...

Timo Ameruoso: I'm totally convinced that all of us have the worth. Nobody on this planet is better than the other.
And: Stay brave, even if it's hard.