Lima 2019: Evelyn de Oliveira targets first Parapan title

“I followed previous editions of the Parapan American Games and supported Brazil every time. Now I am excited about being myself on the field of play and participate at Lima 2019.”

Evelyn de Oliveira is following the opposite path to most Para athletes. The Brazilian boccia player claimed Paralympic gold at her first Games in Rio de Janeiro, in 2016. Now, she aims to take her maiden Parapan American title on Peruvian soil.

“I have big expectations towards Lima 2019,” the 31-year-old said. “In 2017 I won the Copa América in both the individual and team events, and I will have pretty much the same opponents at the Parapan American Games.

“I hope to repeat such [a] performance next year and make my best possible debut at a Parapans by winning gold.”

De Oliveira had a disappointing performance at August’s Boccia World Championships in Liverpool, Great Britain, leaving without any medal. But she wants to turn the page quickly and focus on her next big goals.

“We finished competing at the World Championships and now I am training for the national competitions and, also, for next year´s events such as the Copa América and Lima 2019.

“I still need to achieve qualification for Tokyo 2020, which is why I need to train a lot and be well prepared for the continental events. At the Parapan American Games I can secure a spot for the Paralympic Games.”

De Oliveira is aware Argentina, Canada and Colombia all have strong players in the BC3 category, but remains confident of her chances of topping the podium in Lima.

“I followed previous editions of the Parapan American Games and supported Brazil every time. Now I am excited about being myself on the field of play and participate at Lima 2019.”