Transplanted with both arms in Lyon, he is now running for president of his country… here is the incredible story of Felix Gretarsson

Felix Gretarsson, un Islandais qui a subi une double transplantation des bras à Lyon. Capture écran Instagram @felix_gretarsson

Felix Gretarsson, un Islandais anciennement électricien, a perdu ses deux bras à l’âge de 26 ans, en se faisant électrocuter, lors d’une intervention sur une ligne à haute tension.

A message of hope. In 2013, Felix Gretarsson left his country – Iceland – to settle in Lyon, hoping for a transplant of two arms. He had them amputated after an accident on a high-voltage line. Three years ago, in 2021, he was able to benefit from a transplant of both arms, explains France info.

"The process is long, rigorous, full of adversity"

At the age of 26, Felix was electrocuted on a high voltage line: 11,000 volts and 100 amps passed through his arms, burning them. In his fall, he broke his back and neck. Transported to hospital, he underwent a double amputation of his arms, and surgical operations over the following eleven months. In total, in the first year following his accident, he underwent 54 surgeries.

In 2013, he sold everything he had and moved to Lyon, hoping to receive a transplant. After undergoing medical examinations, he was included on the donor list in 2016. Then, “miracle”, on January 13, 2021, Felix Gretarsson received a transplant of both arms , an operation, which lasts 15 hours.

His rehabilitation involves: psychomotor therapists; occupational therapists; physiotherapists and doctors. "The team responsible for the transplant calls him a Viking. Because Felix impresses with his ability to survive, his will, his humor."

Felix Gretarsson president

After this fight, the Icelander embarked on a whole new adventure, he ran for president of the Republic of Iceland, for the election on June 1st .

"The office of president is, in the minds of most people, a symbol of unity. My life is literally the embodiment of what Icelanders are capable of doing when we join hands."