Ana Paula Goncalves Marques

Started: She took up Para powerlifting in 2015. (Comite Paralimpico Brasileiro YouTube channel, 13 Jun 2024) Reason: She was encouraged to try Para sports during her rehabilitation. She tried several disciplines including Para athletics, wheelchair basketball, Para archery, and Para sailing. As she needed to improve her fitness for sailing, she began lifting weights, which led to her getting into Para powerlifting. (Comite Paralimpico Brasileiro YouTube channel, 13 Jun 2024) Awards: In 2023 she received the Brasilia Women's Award in Brazil. (psdb.org.br, 14 Aug 2023) She was named Para Sportswoman of the Year in Brasilia, Brazil, in both 2016 and 2018. (agenciabrasilia.df.gov.br, 14 Apr 2023) In 2017 she received the 'Brasil Paralimpico' [Paralympic Brazil] Award for Para Sailor of the Year in Brazil. (cpb.org.br, 01 Dec 2023; agenciabrasilia.df.gov.br, 14 Apr 2023)