A groundbreaking new docuseries titled “Real Champions” is bringing the untold stories of Brazilian Paralympic athletes to screens nationwide, offering an unfiltered look into the personal, emotional, and physical journeys behind their medals. The series, produced by a collaboration between the Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) and TV Brasil, premiered its first episodes this month and has already sparked powerful reactions across the country.
More than a celebration of achievement, “Real Champions” is an intimate portrait of resilience — highlighting the athletes not just as competitors, but as human beings overcoming daily obstacles to reach the global stage.
A Human Look at Sporting Greatness
Each episode focuses on a different athlete, with a narrative style that blends cinematic visuals, archival footage, and personal interviews. Early featured athletes include:
- Yeltsin Jacques (athletics): His journey from losing his vision as a teenager to becoming a double gold medalist in middle-distance running.
- Mariana D’Andrea (powerlifting): The challenges of training without proper equipment in the early stages of her career, and the emotional triumph of winning gold in Tokyo.
- Carol Santiago (swimming): Her life with a visual impairment, balancing motherhood with high-performance training, and her unforgettable performance in Paris 2024.
- Lorena Spoladore (athletics): Overcoming societal stigma and becoming one of Brazil’s most consistent podium finishers in the T11 sprint and long jump.
What sets the series apart is its focus on the moments between the medals — the support systems, the moments of doubt, the laughter, the tears, and the routines that shape greatness.
Representation and Visibility
“Real Champions” is part of a broader movement to elevate the visibility of Paralympic sport in Brazil. With the country’s record-breaking performance in Paris 2024 still fresh in the public’s mind, the series seeks to deepen understanding and appreciation for what these athletes endure and achieve.
According to the CPB, one of the project’s goals is to challenge the lingering stereotypes about athletes with disabilities by placing them at the center of powerful, professional storytelling.
“Paralympic athletes are not an ‘alternative story’ — they are the story,” said CPB president Mizael Conrado.
“This series helps the country see our athletes for what they are: champions in every sense.”
A Tool for Education and Inspiration
Beyond entertainment, the docuseries is being used as a teaching tool in schools. An educational version of “Real Champions” is now available through Brazil’s national education network, complete with discussion guides and activity materials.
Teachers are encouraged to incorporate episodes into lessons on:
- Overcoming adversity
- Teamwork and goal-setting
- Social inclusion and diversity in sports
- Personal growth and emotional intelligence
Public Reception and Expansion Plans
Since its debut, the series has drawn strong ratings and social media engagement. Hashtags like #RealChampionsBR and #ParatletasDoBrasil have trended, and several athletes featured in the series have gained thousands of new followers.
Due to the positive response, producers have confirmed that a second season is already in pre-production. The next batch of episodes will include behind-the-scenes coverage of Brazilian preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, and explore topics such as adaptive technology, mental health, and the role of family in athlete development.
Conclusion: Stories That Move a Nation
“Real Champions” is more than a television series — it’s a cultural shift. Through these deeply personal stories, Brazil is being reintroduced to some of its greatest heroes and the values they embody: courage, empathy, dedication, and belief.
As the nation watches, one thing becomes clear: every medal has a story, and every story has the power to change lives.