GONCALVES RODRIGUES Vinicius

Classification
T63 (IPC, 15 Jun 2021)

Type of Impairment
Limb deficiency (cpb.org.br, 01 Sep 2019)

Origin of Impairment
Acquired (cpb.org.br, 01 Sep 2019)

Impairment Details
He had his left leg amputated above the knee after being injured in a motorcycle accident at age 19. (cpb.org.br, 01 Sep 2019; redetv.uol.com.br, 05 Aug 2016; jornalmateriaprima.com.br, 02 May 2016)

General
INSPIRATIONAL FIGURES
He admits that Brazilian Para athlete Terezinha Guilhermina and German Para athlete Heinrich Popow provided him with the motivation to pursue a career in the sport. Guilhermina visited him in hospital three days after his accident to suggest that he try Para athletics and also provided him with financial support. "They [Guilhermina and Popow] are like my godparents and they are world record holders and Paralympic champions. If I get to be half of what they are and make my mark in Paralympic history like they did, I'd be very content. There's no better teacher than a world record holder. Terezinha gave me this new dream. She helped me with therapy, paid my travel expenses, financially supported me and encouraged me every step along the way. Heinrich has supported me by helping me get the prosthesis to compete and with his advice. I wanted to race against him, but he was smart and retired." (esportes.r7.com, 28 Apr 2021; paralympic.org, 25 Jul 2019)

RIO DISAPPOINTMENT
He made it his goal to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo after missing out on qualification for the 2016 Games in his home country. "Being left out of the Games at home was the biggest blow in my career. It was like people came to my country and had a party in my home but I stood firm and focused on my goal and it's my turn to show my talent. I remember every race, every emotion, everything learnt and it would be amazing to compete at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo." (Instagram profile, 04 Sep 2019; paralympic.org, 25 Jul 2019)

TURNING POINT
Before his accident he had thought about becoming a police officer but believes his life has been enhanced by the amputation of his left leg. "My amputation made me a more confident guy. After the accident, I left my cocoon. I was a dreamer before and I did not have much expectation about my life. But when I put the blade on I feel like a racehorse. My self esteem is higher and I feel more handsome and stronger. If I knew then what I do now, I would have cut my leg off earlier, because life got a lot better." (World Para Athletics Facebook page, 01 Nov 2020; esportelandia.com.br, 19 Feb 2020)