Cecilia Kethlen Jeronimo de Araujo

Started: She took up the sport at age three in Natal, Brazil. (Athlete, 02 Dec 2017) Reason: She began swimming following advice from doctors. "It is something I love and it satisfies my soul." (cpb.org.br, 01 Sep 2019; Athlete, 02 Dec 2017) Awards: She has received the Medal of Sports Merit from the governor of Sao Paulo in Brazil. The honour was given in recognition of her performance at the 2019 Parapan American Games in Lima, Peru, where she won seven medals. (SportsDeskOnline, 16 Jun 2021; wrsd.lima2019.pe, 27 Aug 2019) In 2017 and 2018 she was named Para Swimmer of the Year by Brazilian swimming website Best Swim. (bestswim.com.br, 19 Dec 2018, 31 Dec 2017) Additional Info: RIO ILLNESS She contracted mumps during the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and, after participating in three events, had to stop competing at the Games. She did not train or compete in the pool for the next seven months. "I thought it was a toothache and the doctor did not want to tell me what it was at first. Later they told me that I could not compete, because it was contagious." (esportes.estadao.com.br, 23 Apr 2017)