Ádria Santos facts for kids

Santos (right) at the 2016 Paralympics
Quick facts for kids Personal information
Born	11 August 1974 (1974-08-11) (age 50) Nanuque, Brazil
Sport
Sport	Paralympic athletics
Disability class	T11
Event(s)	Sprint
Medal record Representing  Brazil Paralympic Games Gold 1992 Barcelona 100m B2 Gold 2000 Sydney 100m T12 Gold 2000 Sydney 200m T11 Gold 2004 Athens 100m T12 Silver 1988 Seoul 100m B2 Silver 1988 Seoul 400m B2 Silver 1988 Seoul 400m B2 Silver 1996 Atlanta 100m T10 Silver 2000 Sydney 400m T11 Silver 2004 Athens 200m T11 Silver 2004 Athens 400m T12 Bronze 2008 Beijing 100m T11 Parapan American Games Silver 2007 Rio de Janeiro 200m T11

Ádria Rocha Santos, born on August 11, 1974, is a retired Paralympic sprinter from Brazil. She was born with very limited eyesight. By 1994, she had completely lost her vision. Ádria is famous for competing in six Paralympic Games in a row, from 1988 to 2008. She won at least one medal at each of these Games. She was also chosen to be a final torch bearer at the 2016 Summer Paralympics opening ceremony.

Who is Ádria Santos?

Ádria Rocha Santos is a true sports hero from Brazil. She is known for her amazing speed and determination as a sprinter. She competed in the Paralympic Games, which are like the Olympic Games but for athletes with disabilities. Ádria competed in the T11 category. This category is for athletes who are completely blind or have very little vision.

Her Amazing Paralympic Journey

Ádria Santos started her Paralympic career very early. She first competed in the 1988 Summer Paralympics in Seoul, South Korea. She was only 14 years old! Even at that young age, she won two silver medals. This showed the world her incredible talent.

She continued to compete in every Paralympic Games for two decades. This is a very long time for an athlete to stay at the top level. She always trained hard and aimed for the best.

Medals and Achievements

Ádria Santos has won many medals throughout her career. She is one of Brazil's most decorated Paralympic athletes.

• 1988 Seoul Paralympics: She won two silver medals in the 100m and 400m races.
• 1992 Barcelona Paralympics: She won her first gold medal in the 100m race.
• 1996 Atlanta Paralympics: She earned another silver medal in the 100m.
• 2000 Sydney Paralympics: This was a fantastic year for Ádria! She won two gold medals in the 100m and 200m races. She also took home a silver medal in the 400m.
• 2004 Athens Paralympics: She continued her winning streak with another gold medal in the 100m. She also won two silver medals in the 200m and 400m.
• 2008 Beijing Paralympics: In her final Paralympic appearance, she won a bronze medal in the 100m race.

Besides the Paralympics, Ádria also competed in the Parapan American Games. In 2007, she won a silver medal in the 200m race at the Games held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Life Outside the Track

In 2003, Ádria Santos married Rafael. Rafael was also an athlete, a former pole vaulter. He later became her guide and coach during her races. This meant he would run alongside her, helping her stay on track. Together, Ádria and Rafael have a daughter.

Ádria Santos retired from competitive sports after the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. She left behind an amazing legacy. She is an inspiration to many young athletes, showing that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

See also

In Spanish: Ádria Santos para niños