Since Beijing 2008, Dirceu Jose Pinto, 32, has dominated the BC4 class in every major tournament he has appeared in, both in individual and paired competitions.
Pinto was born with muscular dystrophy, however, at 22, he was introduced to boccia at a training in pitch in his hometown of Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, and he states this as the moment that changed his life.
In 2007, the deadly partnership of Pinto and Eliseu Dos Santos was formed, and in their Paralympic debut at Beijing 2008 they picked up a gold medal in the pairs BC4 event, against Athens 2004 silver medallists Portugal.
Also at Beijing 2008, Pinto won his first individual Paralympic title as he defeated Honk Kong’s Yuk Wing Leung. This victory was made even more special as it was his 28th birthday, and after he had received his gold medal, the crowd sang happy birthday to him.
The Brazilian went on to continue his dominance on the world stage, winning two gold medals at both the 2010 World Championships in Lisbon, Portugal and the 2011 World Cup in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
At London 2012, Pinto successfully defended both of his Paralympic titles, defeating China’s Zheng Yuansen in the individual BC4 final, and joining forces with Dos Santos to retain their BC4 pairs Paralympic championship.
When he is not competing, Pinto resumes his role as co-ordinator of para-sports in Mogi das Cruzes, where he helps those with an impairment find enjoyment through sport.
Pinto believes he will be at the peak of his career at Rio 2016, and there is nothing he would like better than to retain his Paralympic titles in his homeland of Brazil.
