Brazilian Sprinter Petrúcio Ferreira Breaks 100m T47 World Record Ahead of 2025 World Para Athletics
Brazilian Paralympic sprinter Petrúcio Ferreira has once again stunned the world of para athletics by breaking his own 100m T47 world record, clocking an astonishing 10.28 seconds at the Grand Prix de Paris, an official preparatory event for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships.
The performance not only confirms Ferreira’s dominance in the T47 class (for upper-limb impairments), but also sets the tone for what could be one of Brazil’s most successful para athletics campaigns in recent history.
A Record That Reshapes the Standards
Previously holding the record at 10.42 seconds, Petrúcio’s new mark was achieved under perfect weather conditions and with an electric atmosphere at Stade Charléty, which hosted the test event for next year’s championships.
He crossed the finish line visibly emotional, pointing to the sky before embracing his coach, Amaury Veríssimo.
In a post-race interview, Petrúcio stated:
“This wasn’t just a race — it was a message. We are preparing with everything we have, and Brazil is coming to Paris in 2025 stronger than ever.”
Career of Consistency and Excellence
At just 27 years old, Petrúcio Ferreira has already built a legendary résumé:
- Double Paralympic gold medalist (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020)
- World champion in 2017, 2019, and 2023
- Holder of multiple continental records in 100m and 200m T47
- Global ambassador for inclusive sport and athlete education programs
Born in the rural region of São José do Brejo do Cruz in Paraíba, Ferreira lost part of his left arm in a childhood accident involving a grain grinder. Today, he is not only one of the fastest Paralympians in history, but a national icon of resilience and opportunity.
Brazil’s Sprint Squad Gains Momentum
Ferreira’s record is part of a broader wave of elite performances coming from Brazil’s para athletics sprint team. Teammates Washington Júnior (T47 200m) and Alan Fonteles (T63 100m) also posted personal bests during the Paris Grand Prix.
The Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) has credited:
- Investment in sports science, with new biomechanics labs in São Paulo
- International training exchanges, especially with sprint hubs in Jamaica and Spain
- Expanded mental coaching programs to prepare athletes for global pressure
With just under a year until the 2025 World Championships — also to be hosted in Paris — the sprint squad is now considered one of Brazil’s strongest medal hopes.
National Pride and Global Recognition
The news of Petrúcio’s record quickly spread across Brazilian media, with tributes from the Ministry of Sports, fellow Olympians, and Paralympic legends.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva posted on social media:
“Petrúcio runs with the power of Brazil behind him. A symbol of strength, discipline, and inspiration.”
Meanwhile, World Para Athletics officials praised the race as “a performance that will redefine the standard for what’s possible in T47 sprinting.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Petrúcio has long used his platform to encourage participation in sport among youth with disabilities. He leads school visits, speaks at youth summits, and supports access-to-sport initiatives across Brazil’s Northeast.
His foundation, launched in 2023, provides track scholarships for young para athletes and adaptive sports equipment in low-income communities.
As he told reporters in Paris:
“My fastest time isn’t just mine — it belongs to every kid in Brazil who was told they couldn’t. This is for them.”
Conclusion: Breaking Records, Building Legacies
Petrúcio Ferreira’s new 100m T47 world record is not just a mark on a stopwatch — it’s a statement of intent from a nation ready to lead in para athletics.
With his eyes set on Paris 2025 and Los Angeles 2028, Petrúcio continues to redefine speed, rewrite history, and represent the best of Brazil on the global stage.