Brazilian Paralympic swimmer Carol Santiago made history this week by becoming the first visually impaired athlete to win a gold medal in a mixed-class international swimming event at the World Para Swimming World Series held in Berlin. The victory not only reaffirmed her dominance in the pool but also broke barriers by challenging how classification and integration are understood in competitive Paralympic sport.
Santiago’s win came in the mixed 100m freestyle event, where athletes from various classifications compete together using a points-based scoring system that adjusts for classification differences.
A Record-Breaking Race
Competing in the S12 category (for athletes with visual impairment), Santiago clocked a world-leading time of 58.91 seconds, earning her top honors over swimmers with different impairments — including limb differences and coordination impairments.
The points-adjusted system placed Santiago at the top of the podium, marking the first time a visually impaired athlete has ever won a mixed-class gold at a World Series event.
She was visibly emotional during the medal ceremony, stating:
“This medal is not just about time. It’s about breaking limits and showing that every classification has greatness. I’m proud to represent Brazil and the visually impaired community around the world.”
A Champion of Inclusion
Carol Santiago has long been a trailblazer. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, she earned five medals, including three golds. She followed that up with a dominant performance at Paris 2024, further solidifying her place among the world’s best.
Her impact, however, goes far beyond the medals. Santiago is a strong advocate for:
- Greater media coverage of Paralympic athletes
- Equal funding for training facilities across all classifications
- Visibility and inclusion of women with disabilities in leadership and sport
In recent months, she has been featured in national campaigns promoting accessible education, body positivity, and female empowerment.
Redefining the Rules of Competition
The mixed-class event format is designed to emphasize performance equity over physical similarity, with mathematical adjustments ensuring that each athlete competes on a level playing field. Santiago’s win is significant because visually impaired athletes typically face disadvantages in mixed races due to the nature of turn-based speed and limited spatial awareness.
Her performance is now being analyzed by sports scientists and event organizers as a benchmark in how adaptive training and neuro-muscular coordination can overcome perceived systemic disadvantages.
National and International Reactions
The Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) celebrated Santiago’s win as a milestone for adaptive sport integration. President Mizael Conrado said:
“Carol has once again rewritten the script. Her victory is not just a result — it’s a statement about what is possible when excellence meets opportunity.”
International Paralympic organizations praised Santiago for expanding the possibilities of fair play, athletic development, and inclusive competition.
What’s Next for Carol Santiago?
With the 2025 ParaPan American Games and World Championships approaching, Santiago is already preparing to extend her reach. She has hinted at expanding into butterfly and backstroke mixed events, and possibly mentoring Brazil’s younger female swimmers.
She is also working on a memoir and continuing her role as ambassador for sport-for-all initiatives across Latin America.
Conclusion: Speed, Spirit, and a Shift in Perspective
Carol Santiago’s gold medal in Berlin is more than just a historic achievement — it’s a symbol of evolving sport, where performance, not perception, defines greatness. By dominating in a field of diverse classifications, she has proven that talent knows no category — only commitment.
And in doing so, she’s opened doors for a future where all athletes, regardless of classification, can chase gold on equal terms.