Sports changed my life, Cabral says after winning gold in Abu Dhabi

Brazilian para-athlete Nelson Cabral da Silva Júnior, widely known as Juninho Cabral, has achieved a tremendous feat by winning a gold medal in the Para Jiu-Jitsu Men’s division at the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Abu Dhabi. The 35-year-old athlete, who was born with thalidomide syndrome, a congenital condition causing shortened limbs, has built his sporting career on the belief that determination and motivation can turn obstacles into opportunities.

Juninho's passion for sports began in his childhood, when he enjoyed playing various disciplines such as football, futsal, handball, basketball, and volleyball. He pursued physical education studies and later worked as an assistant coach for the women’s futsal team in Itiquira, Brazil. His journey in jiu-jitsu began in 2019 when his instructor, Mario Torquote, invited him to try a class.

Juninho quickly fell in love with the sport, stating that he enjoys challenges and began practicing and training jiu-jitsu whenever he found a sport he liked.

In just six years since starting his jiu-jitsu journey, Juninho has made a name for himself. In the same year he started training jiu-jitsu, he represented Brazil in Uruguay and became a Pan-American champion. Now, he adds a World Championship gold medal to his growing list of achievements. During the Abu Dhabi competition, he praised the city's supportive atmosphere for jiu-jitsu and the excellent organization.

With his impressive track record, this gold medal is just one more milestone in a remarkable career that has already achieved continental success.