From Andrade’s praise to the Laureus spotlight: Gabriel Araujo’s big moment

Gabriel Araujo’s path to stardom has placed him among a select group of Brazilian international sports stars – including the country’s most successful Olympic athlete, who sent him a message ahead of Araujo’s first appearance at the Laureus World Sports Awards on Monday (20 April) in Madrid.

Rebeca Andrade is Latin America’s most decorated gymnast of all time and also Brazil’s most decorated Olympian in any discipline. She is also a great admirer of the Para swimmer Brazilians affectionally call Gabrielzinho.

“I’ll be cheering for you, and I hope you win not only this award but many others in your career,” said Andrade, who last year received the Laureus World Comeback of the Year award following her four medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. “You’re an inspiration not only to me but to millions of Brazilians and to athletes – Para and non-Para –  all over the world. A [Laureus] nomination is already something huge. It meant a lot to me and I’m sure it means a lot to you.”

Araujo said the message made him proud, as he and Andrade share similar journeys in becoming world-class athletes.

“She is Brazil’s biggest athlete nowadays and I’m really happy that I’m on the same ‘shelf’ as an athlete like her,” he said. “[Andrade] is a reference to many in Brazil as she shows how sport can transform lives. She also overcame a lot of challenges in her career, and I think we share that – as well as the results we have achieved.”

Para swimming has three nominees to this year’s Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award: Czechia’s David Kratochvil, Italy’s Simone Barlaam and Araujo. Despite winning three gold medals at last year’s World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore, Gabrielzinho said he did not expect to be shortlisted.

“At first, I didn’t even believe it. I was travelling with my family, and I took me a while to let it sink in. Since then, I’ve been anxious to be here. It’s a recognition for a lot of work – not only the award itself but being part of this event. It has been a dream-come-true journey, full of surprises, and I hope I’ll have another one [on Monday].”

Happiness is the🔑

🎙️Gabriel Araújo - Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Nominee#Laureus26 | @Paralympics | @Para_swimming pic.twitter.com/a1hRrBgVoK

— Laureus (@LaureusSport) March 16, 2026

Famous for his infectious smile and dance moves on the podium, Araujo kept secret whether he has plans to show his skills if he wins the award:

“That’s a good question. Who knows? I haven’t prepared anything, but maybe. Let’s keep it as another surprise.”

If Araujo, Barlaam or Kratochvil wins, it will be the sixth time a Para swimmer receives the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability. China’s Yuyan Jiang was last year’s winner. South Africa Natalie du Toit won in 2010, while Brazil’s most decorated Paralympian, Daniel Dias, received the statuette three times – in 2009, 2013 and 2016, the last time a Brazilian Para athlete won the award.

Dias is among the Laureus guests in Madrid, and one of the many athletes Araujo is eager to meet in the Spanish capital. A passionate football fan, he is also excited about some of the footballers shortlisted for the awards. 

“I love football, and nominees like [PSG’s French forward Ousmane] Dembele catch my attention. But also [PSG winger] Desire Doue. I don’t know if he’ll be here, but if he is, it is someone I would like to take a photo with and talk to.”

The Award winners will be selected by the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy and revealed at a gala event to be held at the Cibeles Palace in Madrid on 20 April.

Araujo Facts & Figures

Hometown: Corinto, Minas Gerais state

Nickname: Gabrielzinho

Favourite football team: Cruzeiro

International debut: 2019, Para Swimming World Series in Sao Paulo (Brazil)

Paralympic medals: six (five gold and one silver) across two Games (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024).
World Championships titles: Nine across three editions (Madeira 2022, Manchester 2023 and Singapore 2025)

On how Para sports can change perceptions? “In the past, children used to run away from me. But now, they run towards me to take a picture, to talk. It’s really special.”