Life is full of obstacles and setbacks. It is inspiring to see someone take the knocks life has dealt them and watch them make it into something beautiful. A future Paralympian did just that.
Tracy Otto was attacked by her jealous ex boyfriend, Francpiero Del Medico, on October 24, 2019. They had stopped being a couple two weeks prior to Del Medico’s assault. He broke into her home and found her with another man, Rick Riessle, whom he also attacked. During her recovery, Otto discovered archery and went pro. She is heading to the 2024 Paralympics in Paris next summer, representing Team USA.
Otto recalls Del Medico’s violent attack. “I remember waking up confused but hearing the voice and knowing it was my ex-boyfriend. He shot me through my left eye, neck and mouth and then put the gun inside of me. I thought he had killed me,” she recalled. Del Medico both physically and sexually assaulted Otto.
Riessle was also caught in the crossfire of Del Medico’s rage. He was shot in the head and face with a pellet gun and stabbed in the back. Tracy Otto was shot with the same pellet gun in the back and in her genitals. When she was stabbed in the back, her spinal cord was severed, paralyzing her.
Otto’s road to recovery was long. She had to undergo extensive physical therapy. She had to learn how to do simple tasks all over again, such as eating, sitting up, and swallowing.
Del Medico was brought to justice for his crimes. He was charged with “two counts of burglary with assault, two counts of attempted murder in the first degree, one count of sexual battery and two counts of aggravated bodily harm.” He admitted fault, entering a guilty plea on all charges, and received a 40-year prison sentence.
Otto retained some movement in her hands and arms. Little did she know this would lead to a new passion. “It was a fluke I got into archery. Ricky and I were driving and I just said I wanted to do it and ended up finding an adaptive course,” she explained.
At first Otto used her mouth to shoot. She then learned to use her shoulders. She is now kind of a big deal.
Otto is a professional archer these days. She is a member of Team USA and will compete in Paris at the 2024 Paralympics next summer. She has come a long way since that drive with Riessle.
Speaking of which, Otto and Riessle are now officially a couple. The horrible attack only worked to strengthen their relationship. They are “so happy” and “in love.”
“She makes me wake up a better person every day,” Riessle gushed. Otto is an inspiration for many. “What was done to me was horrible but you can choose to give up or play your best hand with what has been dealt,” she mused. She is making the best out of a horrible situation.
