Ambition and Excellence: Brazil’s Goals for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
The Brazilian Paralympic Committee has set ambitious goals for its athletes in preparation for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. With an eye on achieving their best performance ever, Brazil aims to secure up to 90 podium finishes and maintain a position within the top eight on the medals table. The Paralympic Committee underscores this objective, emphasizing its commitment to elevating Brazil’s status in the global sporting arena.
In the previous Tokyo 2020 Games, Brazil showcased an impressive haul of 72 medals, including 22 gold, 20 silver, and 30 bronze, with swimming and athletics emerging as dominant disciplines. Notably, the blind football team continued its remarkable success, and Brazilian athletes achieved historic milestones across various sports, including being awarded the nation’s first gold in men’s goalball.
Jonas Freire, the director of high performance for the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, expressed confidence in the athletes’ readiness, citing a successful training phase during which numerous competitors set personal bests at world championships over the last three years. Freire stated, “To be a champion, one must think, train, and maintain the attitude of a champion,” echoing the mindset essential for success at the Games.
Among the talented athletes to watch is Mariana D’Andrea, a two-time Paralympian who made waves in the women’s powerlifting event by defeating a formidable opponent from China during the Tokyo Games. Freire also pointed out Bruna Alexandre, who will uniquely represent Brazil in both the Olympic and Paralympic games at Paris 2024, along with swimmer Carol Santiago—Brazil’s standout from Tokyo 2020, who won three gold medals, making her the first Brazilian female swimmer to achieve this feat in a single Games.
Additionally, the Brazilian blind football team, dubbed “The Invincibles,” aims to clinch a sixth consecutive gold medal. Nonato, a key player in this team, emphasized his commitment to continue competing post-Paris, motivated by a lifelong passion for the sport and his desire to honor his country.
In the realm of goalball, Brazil looks to defend their title after a groundbreaking win in Tokyo. Josemarcio Sousa, a prominent player, underscored the importance of mental fortitude alongside physical training, stating that psychological resilience is crucial for maintaining performance at peak levels during critical matches.
Moreover, Fernando Rufino De Paulo, known as the Steel Cowboy, leads a significant delegation of eight athletes in Para canoeing, aiming to capitalize on his status as the reigning VL2 champion and multiple world gold medalist.
In Para athletics, sprinter Petrucio Ferreira dos Santos is also gearing up for the competition, entering the Games as a seasoned champion and striving to inspire others with his remarkable achievements in the sport.
In conclusion, the Brazilian Paralympic Committee is poised to embark on an ambitious journey at the Paris 2024 Games, fueled by the dedication and talent of its athletes. Their collective efforts promise to elevate Brazil’s presence in the international Paralympic community, as they strive for excellence on the grand stage.
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