Gabriel Araújo, only 22, just snagged Brazil’s first gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in the 100m backstroke, S2 class. He clocked a swift 1min53s67, living up to the high expectations set by his top qualifying time earlier in the day of 1min59s54.
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Right behind him, Vladimir Danilenko from Russia took silver with a time of 2:01.34, while Alberto Diaz from Chile grabbed the bronze, finishing just a hair slower at 2:01.97.
This isn’t Gabriel’s first rodeo; the young swimmer now boasts four medals across his Paralympic career, including three from his previous appearance in Tokyo 2020.
What makes Gabriel’s story stand out is not just his medal tally but his start in swimming. He was born with phocomelia, which affects limb formation, but a perceptive gym teacher saw his potential and got him into the pool early.
Bravo Gabrielzinho!
Brazil's rising star Gabriel Geraldo dos Santos Araújo, six times world champion, won gold in the Men's 100m Backstroke – S2.
A beautiful 3rd Paralympic gold medal added to his list of victories 🥇🥇🥇
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Bravo Gabrielzinho !
L'espoir du Brésil Gabriel Geraldo… pic.twitter.com/D6oEuwcJsk— Paris 2024 (@Paris2024) August 29, 2024
His journey notes not only his own resilience but also the challenges faced by Paralympic athletes, making every win a testament to their hard work and dedication.
