Competing on home soil at the Paralympic Games is a dream come true for any athlete, offering the chance to channel the energy and support of an entire nation. Three remarkable French women with intellectual impairments are ready to make their mark and raise the French flag high on the podium at Paris 2024.

Léa Ferney

 

Léa Ferney’s love for table tennis began in her parent’s garage at the age of 7, playing with her brother. While her brother eventually moved on, Léa’s passion only grew stronger. At 11, the Adapted Sports Federation recognized her talent, and by 12, she was listed as a high-level athlete.

“I’ve learned to outplay strong opponents and win,” Léa shared with Virtus.

At her first Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020, Léa didn’t just aim for a medal—she secured a stunning silver, defeating world-class players along the way. Throughout her career, Léa has won six World Championship medals, including two golds, and two European medals. Despite a setback at the 2022 Virtus European Summer Games, she bounced back to dominate in Andalucía. Now ranked No. 7 in the ITTF World rankings, Léa is ready to shine at her second Paralympic Games, this time in front of a roaring home crowd.

Gloria Agblemagnon

 

Gloria Agblemagnon discovered her talent for hammer, discus, and shot-put at the age of thirteen years, and by the time she turned fifteen, she was committed to winning medals on the international stage.

“I knew this wasn’t just a hobby for me. I wanted to pursue this seriously,” Gloria said.

Making her Paralympic debut at just eighteen in Rio 2016, Gloria has since secured six World Championship medals, including four golds, and five European medals. With this impressive haul, Gloria is heading into her third Paralympic Games with the fire and focus to secure a podium finish in Paris.

Assya Maurin-Espiau

 

Assya Maurin-Espiau, a determined swimmer from a small village in France, is gearing up for her Paralympic debut in Paris in 2024. Overcoming bullying and discrimination due to her intellectual impairment, Assya found strength and purpose in the water.

Assya has excelled in various international competitions, winning a total of six gold, five silver, and five bronze medals. At the 2024 European Championships in Funchal, she claimed

gold in the 100m breaststroke and bronze in the 100m backstroke. In the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, she secured two silver and four bronze medals across multiple events. Additionally, at the 2021 Virtus World Championships in Montluçon, the athlete earned three gold and two silver medals, showcasing her dominance in swimming events.

“My goal is to make it to the podium, to win a bronze medal. I’m ranked fifth in my favourite events, so a final is definitely possible. I want to live every moment to the fullest at the Paralympic Games Paris 2024.”

Her passion for relays and her drive to make her family proud push her to excel, and she is determined to leave her mark on her first Paralympic Games.

Debora and Beatrice Carneiro are two identical twins from Brazil and they both have intellectual impairment. They both have made big names for themselves at the 2023 Virtus Global Games recently by winning ten gold and three silvers collectively and will be competing at their second Paralympic Games together at the Paris 2024, although Beatrice will be competing in her third one.  

Born on May 7, 1998, in Maringá-PR, Brazil, the twins entered the world prematurely, facing initial health challenges that required specialized care. Despite their early struggles, they thrived under the attentive guidance of their paediatrician, Dr. Wilson Ota. They both faced intellectual challenges, however, they found their calling in swimming. With their natural talent evident, they began training with a local team, gradually transitioning to competitive swimming under the guidance of dedicated coaches.  

“Their childhood was marked by a love for swimming, sparked by the family’s move to a new home with a pool in 2002. What began as a safety measure evolved into a lifelong passion and source of joy. Despite encountering learning difficulties in their early education, Débora and Beatriz found a supportive environment in an inclusive school, where they flourished academically,” said Eraldo Volpato Carneiro, proud father of Debora and Beatrice Carneiro. 

Tragedy struck the Carneiro family in 2007 when the twin’s mother, Vivalda, was diagnosed with lung cancer. As she battled the disease, the family’s focus shifted to her care, navigating a challenging journey marked by hospitalizations and treatments. Unfortunately, their mother lost her battle with cancer in 2009 and their father became the sole caregiver for the eleven-year-old girls, determined to provide them with the best possible future. 

The twins faced a lot of adversity in their childhood due to their impairment. Beatrice states,  

“Our biggest difficulty today is studying, not being able to keep up with the students, counting coins, managing different tasks, etc. We learned a little, but we still had a lot of difficulty. We can’t get a driving license because we are banned. But in swimming, for us, there aren’t difficulties, there is no such thing as disability, but rather efficiency.” 

“We faced a lot of prejudice. The teachers and students said that we had the mind of a 2-3-year-old child. We suffered a lot of bullying. Even the teachers were prejudiced against us when we couldn’t take the tests properly. Then in the Mexico 2017 WPS Championship, I won silver and I said in an interview that see if they could do what I did today, see if they ever climbed on the international podium, and see if they had an international medal. Everything I do, they must be reflecting now, because despite everything we suffered back then, we made a great comeback.” 

Doors to the international swimming competitions for the twins opened in 2015 when they registered themselves under Virtus eligibility (former INAS-FID). Their inaugural journey into the international swimming arena commenced at the 2015 Open Internacional Caixa Loterias in São Paulo, Brazil. It was a significant occasion, marking the dawn of a new chapter in the extraordinary journey of Debora and Beatrice Carneiro. Beatrice Carneiro made history in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games as Brazil’s first female swimmer in the S14 category. Though she couldn’t make it to the podium, it was a heartfelt milestone in a journey marked by courage and determination. 

Thriving in Virtus competitions, Beatrice and her twin, Debora, showcased their talents at the 2017 INAS World Swimming Championship, with Debora claiming 10 medals and Beatrice securing 6, including a title in the 200m Breaststroke. As key members of Brazil’s relay team, their synchronicity in the water was unmatched. 

Their legacy reached new heights at the Global Games 2019, where they amassed an impressive collection of medals of two gold, two silver and three bronze.  

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games held a special significance for the Carneiro twins. It marked their inaugural Paralympic appearance together, a milestone made even more memorable by Debora’s debut on the grand stage. 

In the S14 100m Breaststroke, the twins found themselves as each other’s rivals. While Beatrice secured third place by defeating her twin just by mere microseconds at Tokyo 2020, Debora emerged victorious in their showdown at the Manchester 2023 World Para Swimming Championship in the same event. 

The twins have enjoyed supporting each other whilst pushing each other to give their best in their event. 

“The feeling is incredible! We’re always cheering for each other, and even though we want to beat each other, we also encourage each other. So there’s no way to describe it, because we are sisters and the feeling is the same. I think she will say the same thing I believe. And the goals are also the same, of wanting to go to the Paralympics Games and winning a lot of medals. The feeling is very good, but the fight is big too because we are in the same fight to win the same medal in Paris 2024,” Debora told Virtus explaining their bond. 

“The coolest thing about competing together is that we get on the podium together. We have fun but we also have a bit of rivalry. This is also very important for your career because two sisters getting on the same podium is difficult. So we have to fight together,” she further added.  

In 2022, with the support of a sponsorship project, they underwent significant improvements in their physical training, leading to impressive performances. Their success continued at the Manchester 2023 with one gold and one bronze and at the Parapan American Games 2023 in Santiago de Chile, where they both won multiple medals, with Beatriz setting a new Americas Record in the 100-meter breaststroke.  

However, it was at the 2023 Virtus Global Games where their brilliance truly shone. With an impressive haul of ten golds and three silvers collectively, the twins solidified their status as elite athletes on the world stage, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who witnessed their triumph. 

The twins shared a heartfelt message for the parents who have children with intellectual impairment,  

“Never be ashamed of your child, even if they have Down’s syndrome or any other intellectual impairment. Encourage them to step out into the world and pursue their dreams. Don’t give up on your dreams for them either, because one day they could be competing in places like Paris, Brisbane, or Los Angeles. It’s not about being smart, but about letting them experience life. Children may start out under their parents’ wings, but as they grow, they need to explore the world. Support them in enjoying sports, because it’s a fair game and a beautiful part of life. Dedicate yourselves to helping them achieve their dreams, because it’s worth it.” 

“To all those wonderful children with intellectual impairment, if you are just starting out in sports, remember that the world is full of amazing opportunities! Don’t be afraid to step out and explore. Enjoy the fun of swimming, judo, athletics, or any sport you love. Dedicate yourself to your dreams, because you can achieve great things. The world is wonderful, so live your life to the fullest and have fun with sports!”  

Their remarkable achievements have not only solidified their status as elite athletes but have also inspired many others with their dedication and determination.

Join Virtus’ #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE campaign and make their inspiring journey visible.

What is Intellectual Impairment? 

Intellectual impairment is an umbrella term to describe a vast and neuro-diverse group of people with varying types of cognitive impairments including intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism. Having an intellectual impairment impacts how an athlete understands the rules of the sport, interacts with other players, and adjusts to different environments. They might find it difficult to manage reaction times, remember specific race or game strategies, retain focus for long period of time, or maintaining impulse control.

Samuel Von Einem is preparing for his third Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 and his journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of sport. From his early days in Abu Dhabi to the Paralympic podium, Sam’s story is one of overcoming challenges and achieving greatness.

Sam’s love for sports began with tennis and soccer, but when his family relocated to Abu Dhabi in 2003, the intense heat made outdoor sports nearly impossible.

“When we moved to the UAE, the weather was too warm for tennis and soccer. We had a table tennis table at home, and the school also taught table tennis, so I started playing a lot with family and friends.”

This was the start of what would become a remarkable career in Para Table Tennis. Returning to Australia, Sam began competing in local tournaments at the age of 11. By 18, he was representing Australia on the international stage, never looking back.

“My family, especially my twin brother, and my coach were my biggest supporters. My mom helped me get classified in Para sport, which opened the door to the Paralympic Games,” says Sam.

Sam made his Paralympic debut at the Rio 2016 Games, where he won Australia’s first medal in table tennis since 1984.

“Winning silver in Rio was a dream come true, competing against the best in the world and representing my country was an incredible experience,” Sam shares.

In Tokyo 2020, Sam once again claimed silver in the Men’s Singles Class 11 event, after a tightly contested match against Hungary’s Peter Palos.

“Every competition teaches me something new. I’ve learned how to prepare better, stay focused, and remember that while winning is important, playing well and learning from each match is what really matters.”

Now, as the current ITTF World no. 1 gears up for Paris 2024, his sights are set on turning his silvers from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 into solid gold.

“Winning a medal at the Paralympics is a huge honour, but my goal for Paris is to go one step further and bring home the gold,” he says.

His training regimen is intense, with 5-6 table tennis sessions a week, along with gym work and appointments with his physio and psychologist.

Sam is quick to express his gratitude to those who have supported him along the way.

“A big thank you to my family, friends, training partners, and everyone at Table Tennis Australia and the South Australian Sports Institute. Their support has been crucial in helping me achieve my goals.”

For others with intellectual impairments considering sports, Sam’s advice is simple yet powerful: “Go for it! Remember that winning isn’t everything—what matters is trying your best and enjoying the sport. Sports are about having fun and connecting with people who share your interests.”

As Sam prepares for the next chapter in his extraordinary journey, he remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for athletes around the world. His story is a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and the right support, anything is possible.

WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENT?

Intellectual impairment is an umbrella term to describe a vast and neuro-diverse group of people with varying types of cognitive impairments including intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism. Having an intellectual impairment impacts how an athlete understands the rules of the sport, interacts with other players, and adjusts to different environments. They might find it difficult to manage reaction times, remember specific race or game strategies, retain focus for long period of time, or maintaining impulse control.

Florian Von Acker is one of the finest table tennis athletes with autism who competes for Belgium at the Paralympic Games. As he prepares to take on the stage at his third Paralympic Games at the Paris 2024, let’s find out more about the life journey this splendid athlete has walked.  

At the age of 19, Florian Van Acker had already made his mark in the world of table tennis, carrying Belgium to the highest levels of the sport. Competing in the Class 11 category for athletes with intellectual impairment, Florian became a symbol of perseverance and success, earning accolades on the global stage. 

Born in Zalău, Romania, Florian faced a challenging start to life. Abandoned shortly after birth, he spent his early years in an orphanage and a transitional foster family before being adopted at three and a half by Belgian couple Eric and Dora Van Acker-Debedts. Reflecting on their initial experiences with Florian, Dora shared,  

“He was active, impulsive, agitated. At first, we thought that this agitation and tension were due to his stay at the orphanage. At school, if something did not interest him, he would close his book, and that was it, full stop. He agreed to make a little effort only if he liked his teacher. Fortunately, this evolved positively over the years.” 

Florian’s journey was far from easy. Growing up with autism and an intellectual impairment, he faced numerous hurdles in communication, autonomy, and social interaction. Despite these challenges, Florian found peace and strength in sports.  

“Because of my autism and my slight intellectual impairment, it is not always easy for me to join a group of people who don’t know me. They do not see that I have a disability.” 

“Thanks to sport, I am calmer and I have more confidence in my abilities,” he said. 

Florian received his international eligibility with Virtus in February 2012, which opened doors for him at the international para-sports competitions. 

His introduction to table tennis came through a friend, William, who taught him the sport and believed in his potential. This belief paid off, as Florian quickly rose through the ranks, making his debut at the World Championships in 2014, where he won a bronze medal. A year later, he became the European Champion in Class 11. 

Florian’s biggest breakthrough moment came at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where he claimed gold in the Class 11 category. Describing this monumental achievement, Florian said, 

 “It was a dream come true. It’s an incredible feeling, like the excitement of a child the day before the start of the summer holidays.” 

His success continued, and despite the challenges of adapting to new environments and the pressures of competition, Florian secured a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. His disciplined approach towards the preparation, including arriving in Rio a week early to acclimate and maintaining a strict routine, showcased his dedication and resilience.  

“It is not easy for a person with autism to get out of his usual environment, especially in a stressful context,” he noted. 

Now, Florian is gearing up for his third Paralympic Games. With his eyes set on more victories, he remains focused on the future. Beyond his personal achievements, Florian’s story serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for others. His advice to fellow autistic individuals is heartfelt and powerful:  

“First and foremost, believe in yourself and those who support you, help you, and believe in you… My motto, ‘never give up’ is as relevant to sport as it is to life in general.” 

Florian’s journey from a challenging start in Romania to the pinnacle of representing and winning medals for Belgium at the Paralympic Games is a testament to his unwavering spirit and determination. His achievements have not only brought pride to his family and country but have also inspired countless others facing similar challenges. As he prepares for the upcoming Paralympic Games, the world will be watching, ready to witness more of Florian Van Acker’s remarkable journey of triumph and resilience. 

Florian’s story underscores the extraordinary potential within each of us, proving that with support, belief, and relentless effort, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness. 

Join Virtus’ #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE campaign in making Florian’s journey Visible. 

WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENT? 

Intellectual impairment is an umbrella term to describe a vast and neuro-diverse group of people with varying types of cognitive impairments including intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism. Having an intellectual impairment impacts how an athlete understands the rules of the sport, interacts with other players, and adjusts to different environments. They might find it difficult to manage reaction times, remember specific race or game strategies, retain focus for long period of time, or maintaining impulse control.  

Poleth Mendes, Ecuador’s ultimate champion broke the dry spell of Ecuador at the Paralympic Games at the Tokyo 2020 by winning Ecuador’s first Paralympic Gold medal. Born in the community of Tumbatú, Bolivar canton, Carchi Province, Poleth is the second of four children in her family. Her journey from a small town to the global stage is a testament to her resilience and determination. 

“My biggest supporters are my family—my dad, mom, and siblings,“ Poleth shares, highlighting the unwavering support system that has been crucial to her success.  

“I think I was born with that gift of being an athlete and since I was a little girl I have liked it, I was involved in everything related to sports, in both school and college. I tried many different sports, but the one that caught my attention the most was athletics. I like the technique and I like it because it’s a strength-related sport”, she says, reflecting on her early passion for athletics.  

Poleth’s role model is unique—she looks up to herself, which underscores her self-reliance and inner strength. This confidence is mirrored in her training regimen, which is intense and demanding.  

“It’s a double-day workout, two and a half hours in the morning, two and a half hours in the afternoon, three days of technique and two days of weight training,” she explains. 

Training with her sister, Anais Mandez, who also has intellectual impairment and is a shot-put thrower and won bronze at the Tokyo 2020, has added a special dimension to her athletic journey.  

“It feels great to train with someone I’ve grown up with all my life. We get along, make jokes, laugh, and correct each other, I enjoy training and travelling with her”, she says.  

“We support each other by correcting mistakes when we do technique. With more experience, I tell her what I have been through, and what I have experienced so that she can continue on that path of success,” she further added. 

Poleth has faced challenges due to her intellectual impairment, particularly with memory.  

“It has affected me in the matter of memorizing things, I easily forget them,” she admits. However, she has not let this define her.  

Poleth acknowledges that there is often a lack of understanding about intellectual impairments within society.  

“I have faced discrimination and negative attitudes because of my impairment, but it is not something that has dominated me. I think the reason behind all these negative attitudes is the lack of information and knowledge about disability, only those who go through it know perfectly well what this intellectual impairment is like and how it affects us.” 

This gap in understanding is something she hopes to bridge through her achievements and advocacy.  

Poleth received her international eligibility with Virtus in July 2017 which opened doors for her at the international para-sports competitions. Poleth made an impressive win for Ecuador in the Women’s shot put F20 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where she created history by winning the first Paralympic medal for Ecuador. She also set New World and Paralympic records with a distance of 14.39m.  

Poleth recently won silver in the T20 shot-put at Kobe 2024, gold at the II1 women’s shot-put and silver in discuss throw from the 2023 Virtus Global games. Reflecting on her historic achievement at Tokyo 2020, where she won the first Paralympic medal for Ecuador, Poleth is focused on Paris 2024.  

“I hope to bring out everything I’ve trained for, all my dedication and effort, to achieve a second Paralympic gold and come back with my second gold medal,” she declares. 

When asked about her biggest competitor, Poleth’s response is introspective: “Myself.” This highlights her belief in self-improvement and personal growth.  

She also mentioned the significant role Virtus Global Games played in her preparation for the Paralympic Games.  

“It helped me to know, to see how my rivals are doing, and according to that, to make an analysis and adjustment,” she explains. 

Poleth’s favourite medal is the one she won in Tokyo, a symbol of her hard work and triumph.

“My ultimate goal in life is to start my own family and have children,” she shares, revealing a personal dream beyond athletics. 

Her message to young athletes with intellectual impairments is powerful,

“If you have a dream, keep going and don’t stop for anything. There are no obstacles in life other than the ones we set for ourselves.” 

Poleth Mendes’s journey is a source of inspiration, not just for athletes with disabilities but for anyone facing challenges. As she prepares for Paris 2024, she continues to break barriers and redefine what is possible.  

“Through this campaign, we invite people to empathize and understand athletes who have disabilities, to know our dreams, and to support us as we aim for the top,” she concludes. 

Join Virtus’ #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE campaign in making Poleth’s journey Visible. 

WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENT? 

Intellectual impairment is an umbrella term to describe a vast and neuro-diverse group of people with varying types of cognitive impairments including intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism. Having an intellectual impairment impacts how an athlete understands the rules of the sport, interacts with other players, and adjusts to different environments. They might find it difficult to manage reaction times, remember specific race or game strategies, retain focus for long period of time, or maintaining impulse control.