Doha 2015 Newsletter - Incredible Stories

Brazilian Terezinha Guilhermina is arguably the best female para-sprinter the world has ever seen. Other than three Paralympic gold medals and seven IPC World Championship medals, this incredible athlete also currently holds world records in 100m, 200m and 400m T11 events. Her journey to the top is beyond incredible and filled with towering obstacles that she overcame.

Guilhermina’s story is the first part of the “My Incredible Story” five-series film, which aims to showcase the incredible obstacles, challenges and journeys of some of the world’s elite para-athletes. The campaign was launched by the Doha 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships Local Organising Committee to inspire athletes and fans across the region.

The Brazilian sprinter was born with a degenerative eye condition, grew up in poverty in a family of 12 who had little money for food. She discovered her talent for running when escaping from school bullies and has since transformed her life.

Speaking in the film, Guilhermina says:

“During my childhood, our financial situation had a very deep impact on my life, on the way I looked at the world. I believe those who have little in life can sometimes achieve a lot more. I used to dream of being the best in the world, so I could change that story. Sport has had an amazing impact on my life. I went from being Terezinha Guilhermina, the one who dreamed, to Terezinha Guilhermina, the one who achieved her dreams.”

Guilhermina is just one of a host of Paralympic champions, defending world champions and world-record holders who will be competing in Doha in October, as they also battle to qualify for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Click here to watch Terezinha Guilhermina’s “My Incredible Story.”