Sousa confident he can win two medals at Rio 2016

“I feel prepared to meet my objectives in Rio and fulfill my dream of winning two medals for Brazil.”

Daniel Dias and Andre Brasil may be Brazil’s main swimming medal hopes at September’s Paralympic Games, but the Rio 2016 hosts are also optimistic of enjoying success through double Parapan American champion Matheus Sousa.

The 23-year-old clinched the 50m and 100m freestyle S11 titles at Toronto 2015, won two silvers at the 2015 World Championships and is now hoping to add a gold Paralympic medal to his cabinet.

“I am extremely confident I can win two medals in the 100m and 400m freestyle S11 at Rio 2016,” he said.

“It will be the most memorable competition in my life, not only because it is a Paralympic Games but because it will be held in my country Brazil.”

USA’s triple world champion Bradley Snyder, Spain’s double Paralympic medallist Israel Oliver Pena and China’s three-time London 2012 gold medallist Yang Bozun will be among his main rivals.

“Having the local fans and our relatives cheering for us from the stands will be very important for the Brazilian athletes to meet our goals,” said Sousa.

This will be his second Paralympic experience after competing at London 2012, where he finished sixth in the 400m freestyle S11 and could not qualify for the finals in the 50m and 100m freestyle S11.

“I only came to understand the dimension of a Paralympic Games when I arrived at the Village,” he said.

“I remember the thousands of volunteers working to make it an unforgettable experience for all the athletes and the stadiums filled with spectators.

“Making it to one Paralympic final was just magical.”

Last month, Sousa competed at the Funchal 2016 European Open Championships, where he won two golds and one silver.

“Many athletes that will compete at the Rio Paralympics took part in this competition, which was important for me to confirm that I am on the right track,” he said.

“I even lowered my 400m freestyle personal best by two seconds!”

Sousa is currently fully devoting his time to training.

“I am thinking 100 per cent of reaching my best possible shape towards Rio 2016 with optimism, motivation and willpower,” he said.

“I feel prepared to meet my objectives in Rio and fulfill my dream of winning two medals for Brazil.”

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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.