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

Aline Suavi Bohn, Camila da Cunha Nunes — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.

First dialogues on safe sport

Isabella Baglioni Passos Michelena, Waleska Vigo Francisco — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article aims to discuss the concept of safe sport, a term still not widely disseminated in Brazil, which refers to the integration of human rights, the prevention of violence, and the promotion of athletes' well-being. According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the concept of safe sport involves creating an environment where athletes can train and compete with adequate support, and in which all forms of harassment, abuse, and discrimination are effectively prevented and addressed. Safe sport acknowledges mistreatment as a systemic issue that affects athletes of all ages, in all sports and levels, worldwide. The concept is organized into three main categories: environmental and physical safety, relational safety, and sport optimization. To further explore this issue, the article highlights interpersonal violence, which is committed between individuals or small groups and can manifest as psychological, physical, sexual abuse, and neglect. In the Brazilian context, a study conducted by Melo with 1,043 athletes reveals that 93% of respondents reported having experienced at least one form of interpersonal violence in sports before the age of 18, with psychological violence being the most prevalent (89.9%), followed by sexual violence (58%) and physical violence (49.2%). The data highlight the urgency of addressing safe sport in Brazil, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach among athletes, coaches, managers, and other stakeholders to build a sports culture that respects human dignity and promotes well-being in sports environments.

Olimpianos - Journal of Olympic Studies

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

First dialogues on safe sport