Brazilian athlete born with a congenital condition wins gold at Jiu-Jitsu World Championship.
When determination meets motivation, barriers can begin to look a lot smaller. Brazilian para-athlete Nelson Cabral da Silva Júnior, better known as Juninho Cabral, has built his sporting journey around that belief.
The 35-year-old reached the top of the podium at the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Abu Dhabi, making his first appearance in the UAE capital a memorable one with a gold medal.
Representing Brazil in the Para Jiu-Jitsu Men’s division, Juninho claimed the world title just six years after beginning his jiu-jitsu journey in 2019.
Sporting journey
Born with thalidomide syndrome, a congenital condition that resulted in shortened arms and legs, Juninho says sport has been an integral part of his life since childhood.
“Sports changed my life. Since I started walking, when I was around two or three years old, I have always loved playing football. Sport has always been part of my life,” Juninho said.
His sporting journey has spanned several disciplines. Growing up, he played futsal, football, handball, basketball and volleyball. He later studied physical education and worked as an assistant coach for the women’s futsal team in Itiquira, Brazil.
Jiu-jitsu entered his life in 2019, when his instructor, Mario Torquote, invited him to attend a trial class. Always eager to take on a challenge, Juninho quickly developed a passion for the sport.
“I have always enjoyed a challenge. Mario invited me to try a jiu-jitsu class and I liked it. Whenever I liked a sport, I started practising and training it,” he said.
Growing list of achievements
Juninho quickly made his mark in the sport. In the same year he began practising jiu-jitsu, he represented Brazil in Uruguay and went on to become a Pan-American champion.
Six years later, his journey took him to Abu Dhabi, where he added a World Championship gold medal to an already impressive list of achievements.
“It is my first time in Abu Dhabi, and it has been a great experience. Competing at a World Championship here is very special because jiu-jitsu has such a strong presence in the city. The organisation has been excellent, and I have felt very welcome, both at the championship and outside the venue,” Juninho said.
Competing as a para-athlete has also required Juninho to adapt jiu-jitsu techniques and movements to suit his body. Over time, he has developed a style of his own on the mats, turning physical limitations into opportunities to approach the sport differently.
His gold medal in Abu Dhabi marks the latest milestone in a remarkable career that has taken him from continental success to the world stage.
