Bruna Alexandre is a Brazilian amputee table tennis star who is making her dream a reality by competing in the Paris Olympics. The 29-year-old, who had her right arm amputated at three months old due to thrombosis, has made history as Brazil’s first para-athlete to participate in the Olympics. She’ll also compete in the upcoming Paralympics, as she has already won silver in the Tokyo Games.
Overcoming challenges
“I have been trying to qualify for the Olympics for years,” Alexandre told AFP. “I knew it would be difficult because the competition in Brazil is intense. But I succeeded, and today I am fulfilling a huge dream.”
Alexandre started playing table tennis at seven. Although she initially struggled with serving due to her disability, she adapted by using her left hand to toss the ball and delivering a powerful spin serve. “After about a year, I managed to adapt. Now my serve is one of my strengths,” she explained. In addition to table tennis, Alexandre is also a skilled skateboarder and cyclist.
Spirits high despite defeat
Alexandre had her first flavour of Olympic competition against the strong South Korean team. Despite the loss, she remained optimistic. “It’s about showing that everything is possible, regardless of having one arm or one leg,” she said.
Inspired by Paralympian Natalia Partyka, Alexandre is using her Olympic experience as a stepping stone towards gold at the upcoming Paralympics, which will be held from August 28 to September 8.
Other players who competed in both Olympics and Paralympic Games
Natalie du Toit (South Africa): A swimmer who took part in both the Olympics and Paralympics, and served as the flagbearer for South Africa at both events in 2008.
Oscar Pistorius (South Africa): Known as the ‘Blade Runner,’ Pistorius competed as a sprinter in both the Olympics and the Paralympics.
Natalia Partyka (Poland): A table tennis player who participated in both the Olympics and Paralympics.
Paola Fantato (Italy): An archer who made history by competing in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the same year.
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