Current Paralympic javelin throw world record holder and gold medalist at the 2024 World Athletics Championships, Raíssa Machado is one of the great Brazilian successes.
We are undoubtedly talking about one of the greatest Paralympic javelin throwers in Brazil, recognized for her determination, talent and achievements in sport.
With a life full of achievements, Raíssa has become an icon of paralympic athletics, inspiring people with her story and her accomplishments.
That’s why in this guide we’ve created a profile of Raíssa Rocha Machado, bringing together her main titles, how her career began and her chances of further victories. Read on and find out more about one of Brazil’s greatest paralympic athletes.
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Who is Raíssa Rocha Machado?
Raíssa Machado is a Brazilian paralympic athlete who specializes in the javelin throw and competes in the F56 class, for athletes with physical-motor disabilities who use wheelchairs to compete. Raíssa is the current champion and world record holder in her category and has become one of the leading names in javelin throwing in Brazil.
Raissa was born with leg malformations on July 17, 1996, and has been throwing javelins since she was 12 years old.
The paratriathlete is known for her strength, refined technique and the determination that has led her to excel in national and international competitions.
What is Raíssa Rocha Machado’s story?
Raíssa Rocha Machado’s story is a journey of overcoming and achievement. Raíssa was born with a congenital malformation that affected her mobility.
From an early age, she showed an interest in sport and found javelin throwing as a way of expressing her strength and determination.
Raíssa has faced many challenges throughout her life, including physical barriers and a lack of accessibility in her hometown. One of the ways she overcame these difficulties was to move with her family to Uberaba, Minas Gerais.
The city, and the accessibility projects that existed there, were fundamental in changing Raíssa’s life.
How did the athlete get her start in the paralympic javelin throw?
Raíssa Machado’s career as an athlete began with the support of a teacher who saw talent in her pupil.
Already in Uberaba (MG), the gym teacher noticed her predisposition for athletics and referred Raíssa to a project in the region.
In the Adefu (Association of the Physically Disabled of Uberaba) test, Raíssa passed several paralympic disciplines. Coincidence or not, the first apparatus she took up was the javelin, which is the throw she still does today.
With that, Raissa began to train and take part in competitions, initially at regional and national events.
Her dedication to the sport soon led to her being called up to the Brazilian Athletics Team to represent the country in international competitions,
In 2015, at the Parapan American Games in Toronto, Raíssa won the bronze medal in the javelin throw F55/56 class and, at the World Championships in Doha, Qatar, she won the silver medal.
Raíssa took part in her first Paralympics in 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, where she excelled and gained a prominent position on the international javelin throwing scene.
Read also: Petrucio Ferreira: Paralympic athlete’s titles and records
Raíssa Machado’s main titles
When it comes to Raissa Machado’s titles, the list is extensive, including records and many gold medals. Here are some of her major titles:
- Gold in the javelin throw at the 2024 World Championships in Kobe
- Gold in the javelin throw at the Parapan American Games in Santiago 2023
- Silver in the javelin throw at the Paris 2023 World Championships
- Silver in the javelin throw at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games
- Bronze in the javelin throw at the Dubai 2019 World Championships
- Gold in the javelin throw at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games
- Silver in the 100m at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games
- Silver in the javelin throw at the Doha 2015 World Championships.
What records does Raíssa Machado hold?
Raíssa Machado is a record holder and champion in her class, accumulating impressive titles and marks throughout her career. Her main records and achievements include:
- Silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, one of the greatest achievements of her career.
- Brazilian record holder in the javelin throw in the F56 class, with significant marks in national and international competitions.
- She has won multiple medals at the World Paralympic Athletics Championships, establishing herself as one of the best athletes in her class in the world.
Raíssa continues to improve her personal marks and seek out new records, always aiming to outdo herself and take Brazil to the top of the podium.
Which events does Raíssa Machado compete in?
Raíssa Rocha Machado competes mainly in the javelin throw, in the F56 class, for wheelchair athletes. In addition to the javelin throw, Raíssa has also participated in other throwing disciplines, such as the weight throw and the discus throw, showing her versatility and skill in different paralympic athletics events.
Raíssa is one of Brazil’s biggest names in paralympic athletics today and uses this influence to actively participate in campaigns and social projects that promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in various areas, not just sport.
Raíssa Machado continues to inspire and motivate people of all ages to follow their dreams and overcome whatever obstacles life throws at them.
With a career full of records and unforgettable moments, Raíssa Machado will certainly continue to shine on the world sports scene for many years to come.
Now that you know more about Raíssa Machado’s story, take the opportunity to find out all about the careers of other Brazilian sporting idols:
- Bruna Alexandre: at the top of paralympic table tennis 🏓
- Gabriel Araújo: career of the Paralympic swimming multi-champion
- Carol Santiago: the multi-time Paralympic swimming champion!🥇
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