Ten years since Rio 2016 heartbreak, Fernando Rufino de Paulo’s journey continues
Brazil's Fernando Rufino de Paulo is looking for more success at the 2026 Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships in Poznan, Poland, 10 years after his heartbreak of Rio 2016 26 Aug 2026
Ten years ago, Brazil's Fernando Rufino de Paulo was set to make his Paralympic Games debut at Rio 2016, where Para canoe entered the Games programme for the first time.
Instead, just weeks before the Opening Ceremony, a heart condition forced him to withdraw from the competition.
“It was a very sad year for me,” Rufino said.
“It was going to be my first Paralympics, and they were in my home country. I was devastated and even thought about giving up.”
Rather than ending his career, the setback became the beginning of one of the sport’s greatest success stories.
Supported by his coaches, the Brazilian Canoe Confederation, the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, his family and friends, Rufino recovered and returned to international competition.
“Thanks to them, I was able to recover, overcome that difficult moment and return to competing at the highest level,” he said.
“That gave me all the support I needed. I recovered, returned and found the motivation to keep going because I knew I had what it takes to become a great champion.”
Today, Rufino is exactly that.
At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, he claimed the men’s Va’a single VL2 gold medal. He defended his title in Paris two years ago. Between 2021 and 2025, the 41-years-old athlete also added six World Championships medals, including four VL2 golds, to his tally.
His previous bronze and silver from the World Championships had come in 2014 and 2015, before the Rio 2016 turning point.
“My Paralympic medals and World Championship titles are without a doubt the greatest moments of my career,” he said.
“Every achievement represents years of dedication – from training in the gym and on the water to nutrition, recovery and every detail that goes into building top-level performance.”
From heartbreak to glory
At the Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Cup in Montreal, Canada, in July, his performances helped Brazil finish top of the Paracanoe medal table.
With eight medals including four golds, Brazil strengthened their position as the nation to beat at the 2026 Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships in Poznan, Poland. The World Championships opened on 26 August, with Rufino finishing first in his heat in the VL2 men’s 200m.
Great Britain dominated the sport at Rio 2016, winning three of the six inaugural gold medals on offer. A decade later, Brazil has emerged as one of the sport's strongest nations.
“Brazil has become a great power thanks to continued investment in sport,” Rufino said. “I'm very happy to live in a country where we receive support from our federation, the Paralympic Committee and our sponsors.
“Our coaches have become much more specialised, and we now have a strong multidisciplinary team supporting the athletes. With that structure and support, we've become more motivated and competitive.
“We have talented athletes, excellent coaches and a clear focus on winning. That's why Brazil has reached the top.”
The success has created fierce competition within Brazil's own squad as athletes chase places for the LA28 Paralympic Games.
“Every athlete wants to be there, so everyone is training hard and taking that responsibility seriously,” Rufino said.
“Our goal is to secure as many qualification places as possible. That has made the whole team stronger and even more motivated. We believe in ourselves, and together with our coaching staff we are working towards that objective every day.”
The Steel Cowboy
Away from the water, Rufino is almost as well known for his nickname as for his medal collection.
The “Steel Cowboy”, from the state of Mato Grosso do Sul in southern Brazil, used to compete in rodeo before his Para sport career and proudly embraces his roots.
“I was also a champion in rodeo, and I brought that country lifestyle and identity with me into the sport,” he said.
“The ’steel’ part comes from the many fractures I've suffered, and the metal plates I have in my body. It also represents being tough and resilient.
“The nickname has stayed with me over the years, and I'm proud that it's recognised by athletes in Brazil and around the world.”
Follow the road to LA28
Continuing his pursuit of precious metal, Rufino is “fighting for more medals” at the World Championships, which is taking place from 26-30 August.
With two years to go until LA28, qualifying for his third Paralympic Games is his ultimate goal.
“Our biggest goal is to secure qualification places for Los Angeles. That's where we want to reach our absolute peak.”
With Brazil’s strong development in the past decade, however, Rufino already sees a bright future that goes beyond the next Games.
“We've become more professional and much more dedicated, and our technical staff has continued to improve so they can help us perform at our best,” he said.
“I'm very happy to see that progress. The current generation of athletes is already at a very high level and has great potential heading towards 2032 (Paralympic Games in Brisbane, Australia).
“Young athletes are beginning to emerge, but reaching elite level isn't easy. It takes real commitment and dedication.”
If anything can serve as an example of that commitment and dedication, it is Rufino's journey from his Rio 2016 heartbreak to two Paralympic gold medals and four world titles.
“It's an honour to be an athlete, to stay dedicated and disciplined, and to know that all the hard work has been worthwhile,” he said.
“I feel fulfilled because I've achieved success in both of my events, KL2 and VL2. I've reached every podium I dreamed of, and I'm proud of everything I've accomplished.”
Please visit the Paddle Worldwide website for more information about the World Championships
