Adrian Castro

Started: He took up the sport in 2008. (Facebook page, 09 Mar 2021) Reason: "After my accident I went to a rehabilitation camp and a club came with a wheelchair fencing show. Once I saw this sport, I immediately liked it and decided to try my hand at it." (tvp.info, 18 Jan 2017) Awards: He was named the 2021 Para Athlete of the Year in Warsaw, Poland. He won the same award for 2015. (Renata Kaznowska Facebook page, 24 Feb 2022; Facebook page, 29 Jan 2016) In 2016 he received the Bronze Cross of Merit from the president of Poland. (prezydent.pl, 15 Oct 2016) Additional Info: FIGHTING AGAINST FATHER-IN-LAW He competed against his father-in-law, Polish wheelchair fencer Grzegorz Pluta, in the bronze medal bout of the individual sabre B event at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Castro won the bout 15-8. "It was not the best scenario. We hoped to compete against each other for gold. Even if I won a medal, I was not fully happy because I had to fight against someone close to me. When we shared information that we are 'almost family' everyone was interested in our story as it's a really uncommon thing." (mycompanypolska.pl, 25 Aug 2021; Ministerstwo Rodziny i Polityki Spolecznej YouTube channel, 09 Dec 2020; tvp.info, 18 Jan 2017) OTHER ACTIVITIES He has served as a fencing coach at the IKS Wolomin club in Poland. He has also performed in fencing demonstrations to help promote the sport, and delivered safety speeches to children in Poland. "We try to make them aware and warn them. I am living proof that they have to take care of their safety as accidents can happen suddenly. Meeting with children gives me huge satisfaction and joy. Children can learn something from me, and it's why I do it. It's pure happiness to see children enjoying fencing." (tvp.info, 18 Jan 2017) OCCUPATION He has worked for an advertising company. (mycompanypolska.pl, 25 Aug 2021)

Sporting Relatives: His wife Izabela Pluta has competed in fencing at national level in Poland. His father-in-law Grzegorz Pluta has represented Poland in wheelchair fencing. He competed at the 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 editions of the Paralympic Games, winning gold in the individual sabre B event at the 2012 Games in London. (SportsDeskOnline, 29 Dec 2023; Facebook page, 24 Dec 2023; tvp.info, 18 Jan 2017)