Nathan Torquato

Started: He took up non-Para taekwondo at age three in Praia Grande, Brazil. He got involved in Para taekwondo in 2017. (agenciabrasil.ebc.org.br, 18 Jan 2021) Reason: "When I was only three years old, I went to school with my mum and I saw the people training in a gym. All of them wearing a dobok [taekwondo uniform]. It was awesome. I began and I never quit. I have practised taekwondo since 2004, and the love for this sport grew on me. I do not remember myself before taekwondo. This sport gave me all the best things in life. I could not imagine myself without it and I want to practise as long as I can. I will not give up." (agenciabrasil.ebc.org.br, 18 Jan 2021; olimpiadatododia.com.br, 10 Jun 2020) Ambition: To win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (ge.globo.com, 12 Jan 2023) Milestones: He became the first Para taekwondoka representing Brazil to win a gold medal at the Paralympic Games when he claimed victory in the K44 -61kg category at the 2020 Games in Tokyo. (SportsDeskOnline, 29 Nov 2023) Awards: He received the Nota 10 Award at the 2023 Praia Grande Sports Awards in Brazil. The honour, inspired by Brazilian footballer Pele, recognises athletes who serve as a positive role model. (ge.globo.com, 21 Dec 2023) He was named Para Taekwondo Athlete of the Year in 2022 and 2023 by Fundacao Pro-Esporte de Santos in Brazil. (Instagram profile, 18 Dec 2023, 14 Jan 2023) He was flag bearer for Brazil at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile. (Instagram profile, 28 Nov 2023) In 2021 he was named Best Para Taekwondoka of the Year by World Taekwondo. (patutkd.org, 07 Jan 2022) He received the Brasil Paralimpico [Paralympic Brazil] Award as Para Taekwondoka of the Year in 2021. (ge.globo.com, 08 Feb 2022) In 2020 he was named Best Male Para Taekwondoka of the Americas by taekwondo news website Mundo Taekwondo. (agenciabrasil.ebc.org.br, 18 Jan 2021) He was named Best Para Taekwondoka in Brazil in 2019. (mundotaekwondo.com, 10 Feb 2019)