Swimmer Joana Neves, multi-medal Paralympic medalist, dies aged 37 – News of Brazil
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Brazilian sport is in mourning. The multi-medallist died in the early hours of this Monday (18), in São Paulo. Joana Neves, 37 years old, elected in 2020 the best Paralympic swimmer in the country in the Best Swimming Trophy. Born in Natal (RN), the athlete, better known as Joaninha and Peixinha, could not resist a cardiorespiratory arrest, according to an official note published by the club she defended, the Sociedade Amigos do Dênio Físico (Sadef).
According to Sadef, Joana Neves was in the capital of São Paulo to undergo tests, as she had recently had episodes of seizures. On Sunday (17), the athlete was taken to hospital after feeling unwell at the Paralympic Training Center (CTP), but he did not survive a cardiorespiratory arrest.
Throughout her career, Joaninha collected podiums, becoming one of the references in the sport. She was world champion in the 50 meter freestyle and also in the 4x50m mixed relay, in addition to taking bronze in Glasgow (2015). At the last World Cup, on Madeira Island (Portugal), two years ago, Joaninha reached the podium four times: she won gold in the 4x50m mixed freestyle relay, silver in the 50m freestyle class S5 (physical-motor limitation) and also took two bronzes (50m butterfly and 100m freestyle).
In the Paralympics, Joaninha won two silvers and three bronzes in London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. In the Parapan-Americans she shone with four golds in the Gualalajara edition (2011), another five golds in Toronto (2015), and four more in Lima ( 2019).
In a statement, the Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) expressed “extreme regret” over the athlete’s early death.
“We are dismayed by the departure of Joana Neves, our Joaninha. So much charisma outside the pools, so much determination when she fell into the water to represent our country, her state, Rio Grande do Norte, her friends and her family. How many people were proud of Joaninha’s achievements. And how much joy she gave us. She was a tremendous athlete. May God, in his infinite kindness, comfort the hearts of family and friends.”he said Mizael Conrado, president of the entity.
Diagnosed with short stature in the first years of her life, Joana Neves started swimming at the age of 10. At 13 she started competing and the following year she competed in her first international competition.
Source: Agência Brasil
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