Geraldo was born in Campo Bom, RS, on February 13, 1975. Although he had always been drawn by shooting sports, his history in the sport didn't begin util 2007, year when he joined the Movimento Paralímpco Brasileiro (Brazilian Paralympic Movement), at age 32. Affected by Poland Syndrome, a congenial disorder that compromises the pectoral, shoulder, and hand muscles on his right side, Geraldo had a hard time holding the air rifles and get good shots - "I lacked firmness",
he explains.
In 2006, though, everything changed. Geraldo
discovered the air pistol, which doesn't require
two arms to be used. "From that point on, there
were a lot of ups and downs, tears and laghter.
And I don't regret a thing".
Athlete's Info
Birth: Februay 13, 1975
Place: Campo Bom, RS, Brazil
Debut in sport: 2007
1st achievement: Brazilian National Champion
Free Pisol - 2007.
Greatest Achievements: Gold Medal -
2019 Parapan Olympic Games, Lima
WSPS Word Cup - Osyjek, Croatia, 2017
Von Rosenthal
Geraldo
You don't build a champion overnight.
Geraldo knows this saying very well. He has a strict routine of daily practices, which prepare him for competitions along the year, til the most imprtant come, such as the World Champion rounds and the World Cup. "It's a hell of hard work, of course. But it's all worth it when you're after your goal", he says.
Giant
OVERCOMING DIFFICULTIES HAS ALWAYS BEEN PART OF MY LIFE, AND SHOOTING SPORTS MAKE IT MY DAILY ROUTINE. BEING EAGER TO OUTDO YOURSELF EACH DAY IS THE BASIC CONDITION TO REACH SUCCESS IN THE SPORT.
"
"
His career is impressive. Standing out from the start, the athlete has been showing he's a record breaking machine, especially since 2013, winning many medals and setting new parameters in the sport. Although he still has a lot to win, in 2017 and 2018 combined, he has already broken Brazilian and Parapan American records, 1 gold,1 silver, and 2 bronze medals in World Cups, besides being on the top of the world rank in the discipline Standard Pistol 10 meters.
Geraldo makes us proud and delights his legion of fans, and his story also helps to change the image of shooting sports as violent and ''forbidden'' practices.
Last but not least, maybe needless to say, Geraldo's example, like others', strengthens the fight for equality in sport and society. He is undoubtedly one f the major personalities in the sport in Brazil and abroad, a role model for many athletes and para-athletes.
More about Geraldo:
