The Harmonious Partnership of Paralympic Athletes and Guides

The Silent Symphony of Paralympic Partnerships

In the world of Paralympic sports, there are 22 disciplines where athletes rely on guides or assistants, and the success of these partnerships often lies in their harmonious collaboration. Jerusa Geber dos Santos, a Brazilian athlete who lost her vision in her teens, emphasizes this connection when discussing her bond with her guide, Gabriel Garcia. At 42, Geber dos Santos holds the women’s world record in the 100-meter dash, clocking in at an impressive 11.83 seconds in a classification for athletes with severe visual impairments.

When Geber dos Santos competes alongside Garcia, who is 26, their synchronization is crucial. He runs to her left, gripping a short tether with his right hand, while she holds onto the other end with her left. If their start is smooth, he mirrors her strides, matching his footfalls with hers, allowing them to navigate the race without needing to communicate about the pace of their competitors. “There is really harmony and synchrony between Gabriel and me,” she expresses, highlighting the importance of their connection right up to the finish line. This connection is vital; a recent incident saw an Australian distance runner disqualified for releasing the tether too early, underscoring the importance of maintaining that link.

The role of a Paralympic guide is carefully regulated, especially in classifications involving significant vision loss and mobility challenges. While there are few restrictions in place, the primary goal is to ensure that the athletes remain in control of their performance. Although Paralympians are prohibited from gaining a competitive edge through their guides, the contributions of these dedicated assistants often extend well beyond the athletic arena. For instance, able-bodied track guides may assist runners in selecting the design of their blindfolds, ensuring that every competitor experiences the same visual limitations. Additionally, a pilot in a tandem cycling event may take a blind athlete out for a ride on open roads, breaking the monotony of training on a closed track.

Since the 2012 Games, guides in most assisted Paralympic sports have been awarded medals alongside the athletes they support, symbolizing the shared journey of triumph. However, the relationship between the athlete and their guide transcends mere technical assistance; it evolves into a deeply personal and reciprocal bond that enriches both their lives.