Brazilian Paralympic swimmer Gabriel Geraldo dos Santos Araújo, known affectionately as “Gabrielzinho”, delivered a historic performance at the 2024 Para Swimming World Series in Berlin, setting a new world record in the S2 200m freestyle with a time of 3:10.54.
At just 22 years old, Gabrielzinho continues to prove why he is one of the brightest stars in international para swimming, combining sheer determination, technical excellence, and a powerful message of inclusion.
A Race for the Ages
The S2 classification is among the most physically challenging in competitive swimming, and Gabrielzinho faced strong competition from top athletes from Ukraine and China. Yet, from the first 50 meters, the Brazilian swimmer established a commanding lead, maintaining high tempo and near-perfect form despite his limited mobility.
His final time of 3 minutes, 10.54 seconds shattered the previous world record by nearly two seconds and was met with roaring applause at the Berlin Swimming Arena.
After the race, Gabriel said:
“I came to Berlin with one goal: to make history for Brazil again. This record isn’t just mine — it belongs to every person who refuses to let their limitations define them.”
Champion of Resilience and Representation
Born with arthrogryposis, a condition that affects joint mobility and muscle development, Gabriel began swimming at the age of 10 as part of physical therapy. By 15, he was already competing internationally, and by 19, he had become Paralympic champion in Tokyo 2020, winning two golds and one silver.
Since then, he has remained undefeated in his main events and is now setting the stage for a monumental performance at Paris 2024.
He’s also become a national symbol of resilience, featured in campaigns by the Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) and named one of Forbes Brasil’s 30 Under 30 in the category of sports.
Preparation Behind the Podium
Gabriel’s training is based at the Centro de Treinamento Paralímpico Brasileiro in São Paulo, where he trains twice daily under coach Leonardo Tomasello. His regimen includes:
- Customized aquatic drills tailored for S2 athletes
- Hydrotherapy and resistance programs
- Mental performance coaching for focus and competition pressure
- Strict nutritional protocols overseen by CPB’s sports science unit
His Berlin result is part of a broader performance peak aimed at Paris 2024, where he will defend multiple titles and serve as one of Brazil’s flag bearers.
National Celebration and Global Impact
The Brazilian sporting community celebrated Gabrielzinho’s record with widespread enthusiasm. Social media flooded with tributes, and Brazilian broadcaster SporTV interrupted regular programming to show highlights of the race.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva tweeted:
“Gabrielzinho inspires the nation again. Talent, courage, and love for Brazil — we are proud of you!”
Meanwhile, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) featured the swim as the “performance of the week,” emphasizing the importance of visibility for athletes in the lower classification groups.
Looking Ahead to Paris and Beyond
Gabrielzinho has qualified in five events for Paris 2024 and is preparing to debut a motivational book later this year, aimed at young athletes with disabilities.
He has also partnered with NGOs to launch a project called “Nada Brasil”, which brings adaptive swimming to public schools and hospitals across Brazil.
Conclusion: A New Standard in the Pool
Gabriel Geraldo’s world record in Berlin is not just a number on a clock — it’s a declaration of hope, hard work, and human potential. As Brazil looks ahead to Paris 2024, Gabrielzinho remains a beacon for what it means to overcome, to believe, and to lead with purpose.