Carol Santiago Extends Her Legacy with Third Gold Medal at Paris 2024
Brazilian Paralympic swimmer Carol Santiago continues to cement her place in sports history after securing her third gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. With this latest victory, Carol not only showcases her elite talent and determination but also becomes the most decorated Brazilian woman in the history of the Paralympic Games.
Her achievements in Paris have captivated fans worldwide and inspired a new generation of athletes in Brazil and beyond.
A Champion in and out of the Pool
Carol Santiago, born in Recife, has long been one of Brazil’s standout Paralympic athletes. Diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease, a genetic eye disorder, she competes in the S12 classification for visually impaired swimmers. Yet, what defines Carol is not her condition, but her unmatched resilience and skill in the water.
At Paris 2024, she competed in multiple events, including the 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke, and 50m freestyle, displaying exceptional form and mental strength. Her third gold medal came in the 100m freestyle final, where she led the field from start to finish, touching the wall well ahead of her competitors.
A Record-Breaking Legacy
With three gold medals in Paris added to her previous tally, Carol now holds six Paralympic gold medals, making her the most successful Brazilian female Paralympian of all time.
Her legacy is not just in the numbers — it’s in the consistency, the grace with which she handles pressure, and her ability to perform at the highest level across multiple disciplines. In each race, she demonstrates not only speed but strategy, reading the water and her rivals like a true master.
Her coach, visibly emotional after the final, praised her dedication:
“Carol trains like it’s her first competition, even after everything she’s already achieved. That’s what makes her special.”
Inspiring a Generation
Carol’s achievements have transcended sport. She has become a national icon in Brazil, celebrated not just for her medals but for her advocacy for inclusion, disability awareness, and the empowerment of women in sports.
At every press conference, she speaks with poise and purpose — often reminding young athletes that excellence comes through perseverance, not perfection.
In an emotional interview after her third gold, Carol said:
“This is for every child who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit. You can find your place. I found mine in the pool.”
Her story has ignited interest in Paralympic sports across Brazil. Swim clubs report increased registration of young athletes with disabilities, inspired by Carol’s success and authenticity.
Brazil’s Rise in Paralympic Swimming
Carol Santiago’s medals are also part of a broader Brazilian dominance in Paralympic swimming. The Brazilian delegation has excelled at Paris 2024, with multiple athletes reaching podiums and setting personal bests.
Brazil’s investment in Paralympic sports, through programs led by the Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB), has paid off in gold. Training facilities, specialized coaching, and scouting have all contributed to the rise of a new wave of champions — Carol being the brightest star among them.
What Comes Next for Carol Santiago?
Though she has already reached legendary status, Carol shows no signs of slowing down. With the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships and the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games on the horizon, she continues to train and compete with the hunger of someone just getting started.
She has also expressed interest in mentoring young swimmers and engaging in more advocacy projects that promote sports accessibility and inclusion.
Her long-term goal? To leave the sport better than she found it.
Conclusion: A Golden Era for Brazilian Paralympic Swimming
Carol Santiago’s third gold medal at Paris 2024 is more than a personal triumph — it’s a moment that defines a golden era for Brazilian Paralympic sport. Her performances inspire pride, unity, and a sense of limitless possibility.
As Brazil celebrates its newest sporting legend, one thing is clear: Carol Santiago is not just winning races — she’s rewriting history and inspiring generations to believe in their own power.