Hardly a week goes by without Brazilian paddler Fernando Rufino de Paulo being involved in an accident.
Only a few weeks before the Paralympic Games in Paris, Rufino’s car was written off after it crashed with another vehicle.
This is just one of an extraordinary catalogue of incidents where Rufino has survived and is now able to tell the tale.
“I like it when some accidents happen to me because I can share a new history of my life,” said Rufino.
“Probably I am invincible and I will die when I get older because I tried to die when I was young and it’s impossible for me."
It is amazing that Rufino is still alive after going through all the incidents he has been involved in over the years.
Rufino had an elevator fall on him, was involved in a motorcycle accident and was even hit by a bolt of lightning.
“For 15 minutes, I stayed on the floor with my muscles in a long contraction,” said Rufino.
“I could smell something burning.
“I broke my elbow in the same accident.”
There is barely an area on Rufino’s body that has not suffered an injury as he points to where he has sustained damage.
Rufino was a rodeo bull rider before his life changed at the age of 21 when he was “crushed” by a bus that left him paraplegic.
Rufino is nicknamed “Steel Cowboy” in recognition of the metal which is in his back and the strength of his character to overcome so many challenges in his life.
“I would like to be remembered by people with my nickname ‘Steel Cowboy’,” said Rufino.
“I have suffered a lot of accidents, I broke my spinal cord, broke other parts of my body and I have platinum in my spine.
“That’s how my nickname started because I am so strong, my heart is very strong.”
Rufino’s love of bulls and horses remains strong as he has them on his family’s farm in Brazil.
His other great passion is competing in Paracanoe where he has been able to achieve his sporting dreams.
“I started riding bulls because I wanted to travel around the world doing it,” said Rufino.
“After I broke my spine, I got an opportunity to be an athlete because they have the same opportunities to travel and compete around the world.”
Rufino said he experiences a “liberating” feeling whenever he is on the water as he looks to showcase his talent.
“When I practice canoeing, it is the same conditions as an able-bodied (person),” said Rufino.
“When you arrive at a lake to practice sports and you see someone, they don’t know if you have an impairment or not.”
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Rufino is a history-maker in Paracanoe as he became the first Brazilian to win Paralympic gold in the sport courtesy of his victory in the men’s VL2 at Tokyo 2020.
The 39-year-old has also won three world titles in the event as he looks to defend his Paralympic crown in Paris.
“I am so strong physically and mentally, so I thank god for this opportunity in this competition,” said, Rufino who was forced to miss his home Games at Rio 2016 due to high blood pressure.
“I have been training for three and a half years after Tokyo.
“I believe in my potential to get a second medal in the Paralympic Games.”
Rufino is poised to face a stiff challenge from his Brazilian teammate Igor Alex Tofalini with whom he lives.
“It’s a big responsibility (as defending champion),” added Rufino.
“But I am not worried about being champion, just doing my best in the water and pushing harder.
“My opponent is Igor, who is my best friend and I was the best man at his wedding.
“We have lived together since 2018 so we live in the same house, share the same things and train together in the gym and on the water.
“It’s only on the water where we are opponents.
“Outside the water, we are best friends.
“If he got a medal, we are celebrating with a barbeque, and if I win we are celebrating in the same way.
“The gold and silver will be ours.”
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