Brazilian para-swimmer Gabriel Araújo, known as Gabrielzinho, received the Laureus foundation's award for athlete with disability of the year at a ceremony in Madrid on Monday (20). He won three golds at the 2025 Para-swimming World Championships and the Paris-2024 Paralympics. He is the second Brazilian to win in the category, after Daniel Dias.
Gabrielzinho received a standing ovation when picking up the award at the Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid. In 2025, he secured three gold medals at the Para-swimming World Championships and broke the world record in the 150m individual medley. He also won three golds at the Paris-2024 Paralympic Games.
"Being here is a dream for me," Gabrielzinho said upon receiving the trophy, before performing his signature celebratory dance. "If God wills it, this award will be the first of many, and we will continue making history. Let's dance!"
Other Brazilians were nominated but did not win. Tennis player João Fonseca lost in the breakthrough category to Formula 1 driver Lando Norris. Surfer Yago Dora and skateboarder Rayssa Leal were beaten by Chloe Kim in action sports.
At the ceremony, Carlos Alcaraz was named best male athlete, Aryna Sabalenka best female athlete, and Paris Saint-Germain best team for winning the 24/25 Champions League. Lamine Yamal won young athlete, Toni Kroos sports inspiration, and Nadia Comaneci received a lifetime achievement award presented by Simone Biles. Nominees were selected by Laureus and International Paralympic Committee panels, hosted by Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu.
