Gabriel dos Santos Araujo, affectionately known as "Gabrielzinho," is a remarkable Brazilian Paralympic swimmer whose achievements and spirit have made him a giant in the sport, despite his height of just 1.21 meters (4 feet). Born with phocomelia, a condition that impairs limb development, Gabrielzinho has defied the odds to become a two-time Paralympic gold medalist.

With the Paris Paralympics approaching on August 28, Gabrielzinho is setting his sights even higher, aiming to upgrade from the two golds and one silver he won at the Tokyo 2020 Games. His determination and resilience are evident in both his rigorous training regimen and his daily life, where he navigates challenges with incredible dexterity, such as using his toes to manage his smartphone and video game console.

Gabrielzinho's journey into swimming began early, thanks to the encouragement of his mother, Ineida Magda dos Santos. Recognizing the need for her son to have a "normal childhood," she introduced him to swimming at a young age, where he quickly demonstrated a natural talent. His unique swimming style, developed through intense training, involves undulating through the water like a dolphin, using pelvic movements for propulsion.

His coach, Fabio Pereira Antunes, praises Gabrielzinho's intelligence, motor coordination, and champion's mentality, qualities that have propelled him to the top of Paralympic swimming. Beyond the pool, Gabrielzinho has built a significant following on Instagram, where he shares his life and inspires others with his story.

In Paris, Gabrielzinho aims to defend his titles in the 50m backstroke and 200m freestyle S2, while also hoping to turn his silver medal in the 100m backstroke into gold. Known for his celebratory dances after victories, he has teased a new dance routine for his fans, which he plans to unveil after his races. With his indomitable spirit and passion for swimming, Gabrielzinho is poised to leave a lasting mark on the Paralympics once again.