Rio 2016 - Former footballer Landgraf savours new life on the waves

by World Sailing on 12 Sep 2016 As a young man growing up in Sao Paulo, Bruno Landgraf (BRA) fostered the same dream as many of his compatriots - to play football for Brazil in a World Cup and at the Olympic Games.

Having already represented Brazil at a junior level, Landgraf was a promising goalkeeper when he was involved in a car accident in 2006. The accident left him with serious spinal injuries and robbed him of his footballing dreams.

During his rehabilitation, physiotherapists suggested he try two sports, swimming and sailing.

'I started sailing, I liked sailing, for rehabilitation and to get out of the house,' Landgraf said.

But coaches thought there was more potential and Landgraf found himself sailing at the London 2012 Paralympic Games only five years after taking up the sport.

'I like the life of an athlete,' he said. 'When I played soccer, I was an athlete. I like the routine, competing, winning.'

As a Brazilian due to compete in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, Landgraf is determined to improve on the 11th place he achieved in London with sailing partner Elaine Pedroso da Cunha. This time, sailing with Marinalva de Almeida, the aim is for sixth or seventh.

For Landgraf, the fact Rio de Janeiro is hosting the Paralympic Games has significance beyond sporting achievements.

'It's important for the visibility of Paralympic sport, to influence other people to take up sport,' Landgraf explained.

'It's important for the city too, to make the city more accessible for disabled people.'