Paris 2024 stars: How France fell in love with Gabrielzinho Araujo

In his speech in the Closing Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, mentioned a series of French athletes whose achievements during both Games made the country “explode with joy.” He also named one international athlete. A Para swimmer who enchanted French fans with his victories and charisma, Brazil’s Gabriel Araujo.

“When the Brazilian swimmer Gabrielzinho won his three gold medals in a crazy atmosphere, he definitively changed how we think about difference and sent out a powerful message to all people with disabilities: sport is for you too,” Estanguet said. “With every one of his appearances, the Paralympic revolution gained more ground.”

His impact at the Paris 2024 Paralympics was undeniable. With his remarkable performances, infectious smiles, and dance moves on the podium, Gabrielzinho captivated France. Previously known primarily in Brazil, his nickname gained global recognition.

Araujo arrived in Paris as a two-time Paralympic champion and left with three more gold medals, adding to his impressive collection. Or perhaps four, as he joked on the France 2 TV show “Quels Jeux,” where he was dubbed "the Pelé of the Pools," in reference to the legendary Brazilian footballer Pelé.

“The warmth and affection I received from the French fans made me feel like I’m leaving not just with the medals I won in the pool, but with a fourth medal for the incredible experiences I had in Paris,” said the 22-year-old.

The S2 swimmer successfully defended his titles in the men’s 200m freestyle S2 and the men’s 50m backstroke S2 at La Defense Arena, while also upgrading his Tokyo 2020 silver in the 100m backstroke S2 to a gold in Paris 2024.

"It's a feeling of mission accomplished, of duty fulfilled," Gabrielzinho said. "I came to Paris to win three golds, and I'm really happy I did."

Beyond his swimming achievements, Araujo was honoured as the male flagbearer for Brazil during the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games.

“It was an honour, a privilege — an opportunity I didn’t expect, especially now (so early in his career),” he shared.

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Gabrielzinho’s journey began when a physical education teacher, Aguilar Freitas, noticed his potential and entered him into a school swimming competition.

"Neither my mother nor I knew that he had signed me up. I went, competed, and won three gold medals. That’s how I started swimming, and I never stopped. Swimming is the best thing that ever happened to me—it completely changed my life," Gabrielzinho recalled in a 2019 interview about his early career.

Now, he is the athlete to beat in his class and a crowd favourite not only in Brazil but also in France. A six-time world champion, with titles from Madeira 2022 and Manchester 2023, Gabrielzinho understands that expectations will only grow after Paris. Yet, he insists there is no secret to his success — just hard work.

“You don’t win a medal just in the water. There’s a whole process behind it. When I’m in the water, I’m not alone. It’s about the people who support me, especially my coach Fabio Antunes, whose fantastic work made these results possible. If I’ve achieved all this, it’s because of an ever-growing desire to win and a belief that I can go even further than I ever imagined.”

Gabriel Araujo's career highlights

Paralympic Games
1    200m Freestyle S2 - Paris 2024 - 3:58.92
1    50m Backstroke S2 - Paris 2024 - 50.93
1    100m Backstroke S2 - Paris 2024 - 1:53.67
1    200m Freestyle S2 - Tokyo 2020 - 4:06.52
1    50m Backstroke S2 - Tokyo 2020 - 53.96
2    100m Backstroke S2 - Tokyo 2020 - 2:02.47

World Championships
1    100m Backstroke S2 - Manchester 2023 - 1:55.34
1    200m Freestyle S2 - Manchester 2023 - 4:01.51
1    50m Backstroke S2 - Manchester 2023 - 54.08
1    100m Backstroke S2 - Madeira 2022 - 1:57.69
1    200m Freestyle - S2 - Madeira 2022 - 3:59.06
1    50m Backstroke S2 - Madeira 2022 - 53.24