Brazil’s ten athletes to look out for at Rio 2016

Brazil is hoping to take advantage of being the host nation and seek top-five finish in Rio 2016 medal tally. 17 Jul 2016
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Andre Brasil of Brazil competes at the 2016 IPC Swimming European Open Championships in Funchal, Portugal.

Andre Brasil of Brazil competes at the 2016 IPC Swimming European Open Championships in Funchal, Portugal.

ⒸPedro Vasconcelos
By IPC

Paralympic and world champions will headline the Brazilian delegation at Rio 2016, where the hosts will be on course for a record number of medals.

Swimming – Daniel Dias

Brazil’s most decorated Paralympian eyes a golden opportunity to add more medals to his crammed cabinet in front of his home crowd, in Rio. Last year, Dias won golds in his eight events at Toronto 2015 and took his world title count to 24 in Glasgow, Great Britain. The 28-year-old is now determined to extend his dominance at September’s Games.

Swimming – Andre Brasil

Daniel Dias might be Brazil’s most decorated swimmer, but much of the 2016 Paralympics hosts medal hopes also rest with seven-time Paralympic gold medallist Andre Brasil. Last year, the 32-year-old won three world titles and went on to claim six golds at Toronto 2015, confirming he is ready to take on Rio.

Athletics – Terezinha Guilhermina

The multi-Paralympic and world champion could only win two silvers at the Doha 2015 World Championships after nearly a decade dominating the T11 class. But Guilhermina, who holds the world record in the 100m and 200m T11, is hoping to bounce back at September’s Paralympics, where she will have to be at her best to beat China’s Cuiqing Liu.

Athletics – Veronica Hipolito

Last year, the triple-Parapan American champion underwent surgery to remove part of her intestine and could not take part in the World Championships. But T38 sprinter Hipolito returned to the track at this year’s Caixa Loterias, sealing two golds and making clear she will be one to look out for at Rio 2016.

Boccia – Dirceu Jose Pinto

The 36-year-old will look to continue his run in the BC4 class after winning golds in the individual and pairs events at both Beijing 2008 and London 2012. He will face tough-opposition from Great Britain’s Stephen McGuire, teammate Eliseu Dos Santos and Hong Kong’s Yuk Wing Leung in the individual event; whilst China and Hong Kong will be two strong contenders for gold in the pairs.

Goalball – Romario Diego Marques

Brazil is hoping to top the podium in the men’s goalball event after becoming world champion two years ago. 26-year-old Marques, one of Brazil’s best players, won the Parapan American gold in 2011 and 2015, and the Paralympic silver in 2012, and seeks to complete his collection with gold at Rio 2016.

Football 5 – Ricardinho

The 27-year-old has been fundamental in Brazil’s football 5-a-side success story. The South American team has won every major title since 2007 and maintains a 100 per cent record at Paralympic Games. Ricardinho, named the Most Valuable Player at the 2014 World Championships, does not want to miss the opportunity of winning another Paralympic medal on home soil.

Football 7 – Jan Francisco Brito Da Costa

Considered by many as one of the best players in the world, da Costa is hoping to lead his country to its first football 7-a-side Paralympic gold. World No. 3 Brazil captured bronze at last year’s World Championships and won gold at the Parapan American Games, but will face stiff competition in Rio from Paralympic and world champions Russia and world No. 1 Ukraine.

Judo – Antonio Tenorio

Tenorio aims to win a record-sixth Paralympic judo medal at Rio 2016 and put an end to his illustrious career. The Brazilian made his Paralympic debut at Atlanta 1996 and became the first judoka to win four successive Paralympic golds at Beijing 2008. He sealed bronze in London, four years ago, but feels ready to reclaim the title this year in his home country.

Wheelchair Tennis – Natalia Mayara

World No. 20 Mayada lived up to the expectations at last year’s Parapan American Games, winning gold in both the women’s singles and doubles events. The 22-year-old, who lost in the first round at London 2012, knows it will be difficult to reach the podium with the Netherlands’ world No. 1 Jiske Griffioen and Roland Garros champion Marjolein Buis competing, but still aims to make a splash.

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Sport fans from around the world can now buy their Paralympic tickets for Rio 2016 from authorised ticket resellers (ATRs).

The IPC’s Global ATR is Jet Set Sports, and Rio 2016 tickets and packages can be purchased on the CoSport website.

Residents of Brazil can buy 2016 Paralympics tickets directly from the Rio 2016 website.

Visa International is the exclusive payment card and the official payment system for the Paralympic Games.