Lebanese-Dutch Community Mourns the Loss of Edward Maalouf
Former Paralympian Edward Maalouf Dies Suddenly at 57 During Vacation in South Korea
Former Paralympian Edward Maalouf has passed away suddenly at the age of 57. The Lebanese-born athlete, who became a Dutch citizen in 2017 and lived in Capelle aan den IJssel, suffered a cardiac arrest while on vacation in South Korea.
Maalouf was paralysed at the age of 24 following a workplace accident while working as a contractor in Lebanon. He fell approximately 20 metres from an apartment building, resulting in a spinal cord injury. Despite this life-changing event, he remained determined to pursue his dream of becoming a top athlete.
In 2002, he moved to the Netherlands and continued working toward that goal. Having previously enjoyed skiing, running, and swimming, he found a new passion in handcycling and began specialising in the sport in 2005.
His dedication quickly led to international success. At the Beijing Paralympic Games, Maalouf won two bronze medals, marking the beginning of an impressive sporting career. He later secured three silver medals and one bronze medal at the Asian Para Games and achieved several World Cup victories while competing for cycling club RWC Ahoy. He was also a highly respected member and volunteer within the Rotterdam cycling community.
In 2023, Maalouf demonstrated his determination once again by successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, proving that he always focused on what was possible rather than on limitations.
Professionally, he worked as a civil servant for the municipality of Capelle aan den IJssel until heart problems forced him to stop working. Looking for a less physically demanding sport, he later joined table tennis club Alexandria ’66 in Rotterdam.
He became a member of the club’s para-sports group in April 2025 and quickly achieved success in table tennis as well. Within a year, he won the title of Dutch Para Table Tennis Champion in Class 3R.
Maalouf also volunteered his time to support others and successfully completed training as a confidential contact person earlier this year. According to the board of Alexandria ’66, he lived without limits and constantly pushed himself to achieve more.
The club paid tribute to him, stating:
“We only had the privilege of having Edward with our club for a year and a half, but we already miss his positivity and perseverance.”
Edward Maalouf leaves behind a legacy of resilience, determination, athletic excellence, and service to the community. His inspiring life touched many people in both the Lebanese and Dutch communities, and he will be remembered as someone who never allowed obstacles to define him.
May he rest in peace.