Por CBTM
The table tennis player, Iranildo Espíndola, also known as "king of the balloon" [balloon is a effect put on the ball that makes it go back high to the opponent] by his fellow athletes, is used to victories. Almost six years ago, in his first competition he won the gold medal. Since then he hasn't stopped. Silvana Fernandes' fiancé has represented his country in the Athens Paralympics Games in 2004 and wants more. Para-Pan American bi-champion in the class two*, he has just qualified to the World Championship in Switzerland in 2006.
You are tetraplegic due to a marrow injury. What happened?
In 20th of March 1995, I was jumping a wave in the sea and hit my head in a sand bank. I had an injury level C6.
How did the sport come into your life?
I started having physiotherapy in Sarah Brasília, as a way to rehabilitate my body and improve my movements. People there told me about table tennis competitions for adapted players, that there are Paralympics Games, and I got interested. In 99 I took part of my first competitions in Goiânia [capital of Góias, a centre west state in
Why did you choose table tennis?
My movements were very few and still are (laughs). I even tried basketball in Sarah, but table tennis was the sport that I fit better. I noticed that with some adaptations [Iranildo wears a glove that ties his had, without enough strength, to the racket].
How do you evaluate the development of table tennis from when you started playing?
In former days I had more difficulties. The Brazilian Para-Olympic Committee (CPB) had been created recently and table tennis wasn't very well known. There were few athletes and results. Nowadays Brazilian athletes standout in South and
What was your biggest achievement in the sport?
When I began I used to think: "I'll see how far I'll go". And I went as far as a Para-Olympic. I watched the Olympic Games on TV and thought it was almost impossible. Suddenly, I was about to participate of a Paralympics Games and it happened. It was undoubtedly my greatest accomplishment in the sport.
How do you evaluate your technique in comparison to your opponents in your class*?
I try to do my best. I have to be smart about them. I have observed with my coach how they play and we have improved my technique. I know my limits and what their weaknesses are. I try and make their return of the ball the most difficult I can. Until now it's working.
In your opinion, which country has the best skilled athletes?
Generally speaking, one can find the best athletes, because they have more infrastructures.
Is there a before and after of table tennis?
Absolutely! Before table tennis I had nothing to do. I would lament all the time, worry about what would happen. Table tennis fulfilled my time and brought concern about the competition. I have friends, who were in the same situation as I was, and didn't follow the same path. Today they are bitter, have few friends and live confined. Sport is important to rehabilitate a person. After it I felt capable again. I felt I could. I met different people, different countries and traveled around
Did you have any sort of difficulties related to you disability during your first trips?
When I went traveling the concernment was about who would help me. This need made me do a lot by myself, like changing, showering and the catheterism. I only managed to learn how to do it by myself thanks to table tennis. Even this I owe to the sport. Perhaps I would still need help to do all those things up to now if it wasn't for it.
What are your next projects in table tennis?
I want to keep on playing. Now with more enthusiasm. Increase my rhythm, go into some interchange programs in order to better represent my country. I plan on qualifying again to the Paralympics Games in
In Paralympics table tennis the athletes are divided in 10 classes according to their physical mobility. The smaller the number, less mobility they have. Classes from 1 to 5 are for those in wheelchairs. Classes 6 to 10 are for athletes who walk. There is still a class 11 for players with mental disability.
BY CARLA LIMP
