Bruna Alexandre: First Brazilian to Compete in Both Olympics and Paralympics, Eyes Gold in Paris

Bruna Alexandre, a 29-year-old table tennis player from Cricúma, Santa Catarina, has etched her name in history being the first Brazilian athlete to compete in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This groundbreaking achievement was confirmed with the official call-up of the Brazilian table tennis team for the Paris Olympic Games on June 4.

Bruna, who had to amputate her right arm at six months old as a result of a thrombosis caused by a poorly administered injection, has had a stellar career in class 10 in the Paralympic Games. She secured a silver medal in Tokyo 2021 and a bronze at the Rio 2016 Games in the individual event. Additionally, she has two team bronzes and has consistently ranked in the top 5 in the world.

In Paris, Bruna will join an elite group of three athletes from around the world who have competed in both Olympic and Paralympic Games, alongside South African Oscar Pistorius and Polish Natalia Partyka. She will participate in the Olympic Games from July 27 to August 10 and then compete in the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8.

Bruna's participation in the Olympic Games is seen as a historic moment for Brazilian sports, particularly adapted sports. Her presence on the Olympic team is a representation of what people with disabilities can achieve. "This achievement shows that a person with a disability can do anything, regardless of not having an arm or a leg. You can do it all. I think this can motivate many people," said Danielle Rauen, Bruna's partner and teammate.

Reflecting on her path, Bruna said, *"For me, this has great symbolic significance. It is the most important championship, the largest in the world. It is very difficult to achieve. Since I was a little girl, I always had this dream of competing in the Olympic Games, but I knew it would be difficult. I thought I wouldn't make it. And after 22 years of training, today I am achieving one of the greatest dreams of my career."*

Between the two events, Bruna will train in the French city of Troyes. She hopes to gain more experience at the Olympic Games, which will also help her in the Paralympic Games. Bruna dreams of winning the gold medal in Paris at the Paralympic Games, where she will participate in the women's doubles, mixed doubles, and individual events.

Bruna Alexandre's path is a reflection of her resilience and dedication. Her participation in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games is not just a personal triumph but also a milestone for Brazilian sports and an inspiration for athletes with disabilities worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• Bruna Alexandre becomes 1st Brazilian to compete in both Olympic & Paralympic Games.
• She's a table tennis player who had her right arm amputated at 6 months old.
• Bruna won silver in Tokyo 2021 & bronze in Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
• She'll compete in Olympic Games (July 27-Aug 10) & Paralympic Games (Aug 28-Sep 8).
• Bruna aims to win gold in Paris Paralympic Games in women's doubles, mixed doubles, & individual events.