The life path of a paralympic swimming athlete: from initiation in the sport to the paralympic podium

Abstract

There are several challenges throughout the sporting trajectory of high-performance athletes, and even more challenges arise when we refer to Paralympic sports. These aspects are perceived from the process of consolidation of Paralympic sports in the national scenario to the daily needs that are attributed to their disability. In view of this, the objective is to understand the life trajectory of a Paralympic swimming athlete from his sports initiation to the Olympic podium. To this end, we conducted qualitative research of a descriptive and documentary nature using oral history; and a content analysis with the establishment of context units. A semi-structured interview was conducted with a male Paralympic swimming athlete who lives in Vale do Itajaí (SC), who is active. The sports trajectory of Paralympic swimming athlete Matheus Rheine Corrêa de Souza from his sports initiation to the Paralympic podium is permeated by the “process”, amid the challenges that (re)emerge in the sports environment daily and there is a need for resilience. Among these aspects, based on the questions asked to outline their experiences and challenges up to the podium, are: (i) opportunities and experiences in some sports; (ii) characteristics of the disability and practice of swimming; (iii) family context; (iv) conditions of practice and health; (v) recognition; (vi) financial issues; (vii) qualified professionals; (viii) achievement. It is also worth noting that practicing sports in formal and informal educational spaces made it possible for them to become involved in swimming, the adaptation of equipment (tapper) and the lack of financial support for participating in competitions (long bus trips) demarcate this process, as well as being driven by achievements and recognition over time.