Jessica Ferreira

Started: She took up Para triathlon in 2017. (cpb.org.br, 24 Jan 2019) Reason: She initially got involved in Para cycling in 2015 as a form of rehabilitation before switching to Para triathlon. (uol.com.br, 08 Jul 2021; cpb.org.br, 24 Jan 2019) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (ribeiraopreto.sp.gov.br, 17 Oct 2023) Awards: She was named Para Triathlete of the Year for 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023 by the Brazilian Paralympic Committee [CPB]. (cpb.org.br, 01 Dec 2023; olimpiadatododia.com.br, 13 Dec 2023, 29 Apr 2019) Additional Info: TOE AMPUTATION In July 2021 she sustained serious burns to her feet while using a sauna in Portugal in order to acclimatise to the temperatures expected at the 2020 Paralympic Games. Seven of her toes were amputated as a result. In total she required several operations in Portugal and Brazil, including skin grafting from her thighs to her feet. "Sometimes things go off track and we have to be wise and strong to calm our emotions and deal with unforeseen events on the journey. Now more than ever, making it to the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo will be the biggest victory of my life." (ge.globo.com, 12 Jul 2021; Instagram profile, 17 Jul 2021, 08 Jul 2021, 25 Jul 2021)

Sporting Relatives: Her husband Jose Carlos Messali has served as her coach. (ribeiraopreto.sp.gov.br, 17 Oct 2023; ge.globo.com, 08 Jul 2022)