Brazil’s Silva: three-time Paralympic world champion in Paris

Alessandro Silva secured his third world championship in discus throw in the F11 class for visually impaired athletes in the Paris Paralympic Athletics World Championship held on Saturday (Jul. 15).

Dominating the competition since his third throw, where he achieved a distance of 44 meters and 15 centimeters, the Brazilian athlete further extended his lead in the final attempt with an impressive mark of 45 meters and 30 centimeters, his personal best for the season. The silver medal went to Mahdi Olad from Iran (43.73m), while the bronze was claimed by Alvaro Cano from Spain (37.60m).

"The victory lies in the mind. With the help of psychologists and our own experience, I am able to compete with a sense of calmness nowadays. Knowing that I am giving my best brings me tranquility," affirmed Alessandro, who had already secured a silver medal in shot put in the same World Championship last Wednesday (12).

In the discus throw event, Alessandro Silva had previously been crowned world champion in Dubai 2019 and London 2017. He also claimed gold medals at the Parapans in Toronto 2015 and Lima 2019, as well as at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.