The epitome of resilience and determination, the Italian wheelchair fencer Bebe Vio has been named international spokesperson for the L’Oréal Paris brand, joining a host of prominent and socially engaged women such as Eva Longoria, Jane Fonda, Helen Mirren and Viola Davis. From coming to terms with her disability at the age of 11 to her new status as a global ambassador, let’s take a look at the journey of this athlete who has become the icon of a whole generation. 

Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, paid tribute to Beatrice Maria Adelaide Marzia Vio — aka Bebe Vio — when she appeared as a guest of honour of the European Parliament in September 2021, just over a year after her victory at the Tokyo Paralympics.