THE BEST PARA SWIMMER IN HISTORY KEEPS LEAVING HIS MARK AT THE PARAPAN AMERICAN GAMES

Daniel Dias was only 15 years old when he found a source of inspiration for his sports career. After he watched the Paralympic performance of his compatriot Clodoaldo Silva at Athens 2004 on TV, the best Para swimmer in history decided he would follow Silva’s steps in the water. But he never imagined that, a decade later, he would surpass the six gold medals of his idol.

Since then, nothing got in Daniel’s way, not even a congenital deficiency on his upper and lower limbs. He trained hard and, two years later, he was already on the podium at the 2006 World Cup in Athletics in South Africa. So far, he has claimed 14 Paralympic gold medals (from Beijing 2008 to Rio 2016), 30 Parapan American Games gold medals (from Rio 2007 to Toronto 2015), and 30 world titles. A huge collection of awards!

In fact, he won his third gold at the Lima 2019 Games this afternoon, after earning the victory in 100 m freestyle (S5 category for people with physical impairment). The Brazilian Para swimmer left all his opponents behind right from the start. Dias climbed to the top of the podium in 50 m freestyle and backstroke.

“You end up losing track of all the awards you win in the water. What really makes me want to improve in this sport is my love for my children. I want to show them that, if you work hard, you can exceed your own limits every day and overcome any obstacles. You just have to believe everything is possible,” said Daniel Dias to Lima 2019.

At just 31, Daniel does not know when he will retire from the big Paralympic leagues. For now, he wants to close out this cycle that finishes with Tokyo 2020 on a high note. That is why he keeps pushing himself to the limit. The Brazilian takes great pride when people call him the “Michael Phelps of the Paralympic Movement” in a clear reference to the best swimmer in history.

“It’s an honor to be compared to a swimming legend such as Phelps. I grew up looking up to him and, when I started to gain attention, my goal was to promote this Paralympic sport. Only God knows if I’ll make it to 100 gold medals. I still have to compete at the London 2019 World Cup in Athletics and at Tokyo 2020. So, let’s just take it one step at a time.

To top it off, Dias also won the famous Laureus Award, which is considered the Oscars of sport, in 2009, 2013 and 2016. An award that has only been given to sport legends such as Roger Federer, Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Pelé, Ronaldo, among others.

DO NOT MISS IT OUT

Daniel Dias will compete tomorrow in 50 m butterfly, starting at 17:30, and on Friday in 200 m freestyle. If you want to see this swimming legend, buy your tickets starting at PEN 10.00. There will be a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment. Get your tickets at the ticket booth of the VIDENA or at the 11 authorized stands around the city.

Tickets can be also purchased online on our website lima2019.pe/tickets, where you will also find the Sports Calendar with detailed competition schedules. In the case of e-tickets, printing will no longer be necessary since customers can show their e-ticket from their mobile phones at the entrance of the sports venue.