Brazil’s Paralympic athletics team delivered a powerful statement at the 2024 World Para Athletics Grand Prix held in Tunis, Tunisia, this week, collecting an impressive 18 gold medals and breaking three world records across multiple events.
The performance confirms Brazil’s position as one of the global leaders in para athletics as the countdown to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games intensifies.
World Records and Outstanding Highlights
Among the many standout moments were:
- Beth Gomes (F53): Broke the world record in the women’s discus throw with a mark of 18.64 meters, improving her own previous record.
- Claudiney Batista (F56): Set a new world record in men’s javelin with a throw of 47.92 meters.
- Jerusa Geber (T11): Equaled the world record in the women’s 100m dash (visually impaired category) with an electrifying time of 12.05 seconds.
Beth Gomes, speaking after her historic throw, said:
“Records come and go, but the feeling of doing something for Brazil, for all the people who believe in us, is forever.”
Depth Across All Categories
Brazil’s medal haul covered sprints, middle-distance, throws, and jumps across multiple disability classes.
Gold medals were won by:
- Petrúcio Ferreira (T47 100m)
- Silvânia Costa (T11 long jump)
- Yeltsin Jacques (T11 1500m and 5000m)
- Alessandro Silva (F11 discus throw)
This breadth of success highlights the diversity and strength of Brazil’s para athletics program, which has been systematically developed over the past decade.
Coach Amaury Veríssimo, who leads Brazil’s sprint squad, stated:
“The level of preparation is already at a Paris standard. Now it’s about sharpening the small details that separate medals from records.”
Strategic Road to Paris 2024
Following the success in Tunisia, Brazil’s Paralympic athletics delegation will now enter the final stages of preparation, which include:
- Altitude training camps in Mexico and Kenya for endurance athletes
- Biomechanical analysis sessions at the Paralympic Training Center in São Paulo
- International friendly meets against France, Germany, and the United States to simulate high-level competition
The Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) is focused not only on medal goals but also on increasing the visibility and impact of para sports across the country.
A Legacy of Excellence and Inspiration
Brazil’s para athletes continue to inspire through their stories of resilience and excellence. Initiatives like “Time Brasil Paralímpico” have ensured that athletes receive the same support structure — including physiotherapy, nutrition, and mental coaching — as their Olympic counterparts.
Social media campaigns following the Tunisia performance have gone viral with hashtags like #OrgulhoParalímpico (“Paralympic Pride”), helping to boost public engagement ahead of Paris.
Conclusion: Records Broken, Dreams Building
With record-breaking performances and a squad brimming with talent, Brazil’s Paralympic athletics team has made it clear: they are not just coming to Paris 2024 to compete — they are coming to dominate.
As the clock ticks down, the athletes carry the hopes of a nation ready to celebrate perseverance, passion, and the power of sport.