Gustavo Nieves

Started: He took up the sport at age 17 in Vigo, Spain. (thewangconnection.com, 13 Nov 2015) Reason: "I started running almost by chance and little by little it grew on me and I felt I wanted to improve. I started running just like everybody else starts." (lavozdegalicia.es, 08 Apr 2009) Ambition: To win a medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (atlantico.net, 26 Jan 2024) Additional Info: DNF IN RIO He collapsed and lost consciousness while leading the T12 marathon at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, and was unable to finish the race. "I was at a good pace, and then the next thing I remember is myself on the ground with two volunteers helping me, and then nothing. We were running in 30-degree heat and 70% humidity. The asphalt felt like a frying pan and there were no shadows on the course. It may have been my last chance for an Olympic medal." (farodevigo.es, 19 Sep 2016) TO GERMANY AND BACK His parents moved to Germany shortly after he was born. They returned to Spain when he was age five. (lavozdegalicia.es, 08 Apr 2009)