Heidilene Patricia Oliveira Lopes

Started: She took up the sport at age 22 in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde. She began competing in 2019. (balai.cv, 12 Jul 2022) Reason: Her family were involved in sport, particularly football, which she played at a young age. After her diagnosis she took up Para athletics. "I saw a documentary on public television and I watched a friend who was blind and was running. And I told myself, 'If he is blind and he can run then I also can'." (balai.cv, 12 Jul 2022) Awards: She and fellow athletics competitor Marilson Fernandes Semedo were Cape Verde's flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (medias.paris2024.org, 28 Aug 2024) Additional Info: <B>Guide</B> Jailson Oliveira (balai.cv, 23 Jul 2024)

Sporting Relatives: Her uncle Nelson Oliveira represented Cape Verde in football. (balai.cv, 12 Jul 2022)