Dylan Bettencourt
Living on a canoe in the Amazon River may not be a life of luxury, but that life now offers many children a shot at Olympic glory.
Brazil’s Isaquias Queiroz dos Santos has become a beacon of hope for Amazonian children who have grown up on the water to follow his path and someday win Olympic gold.
Dos Santos won his maiden Olympic gold medal in Tokyo as he claimed first place in the men’s C-1 1000m event. This victory, along with his three medals in Rio 2016, has inspired several children to take up the sport of canoeing in Tres Unidos, an indigenous community on the Amazon River.
Talio Pontes de Araujo told Reuters: “He is such a great rower; he motivates me to row every day. My dream is to take part in the Olympics and win medals.”
17-year-old de Araujo is one of about 60 youngsters who are involved in an initiative called “Canoagem Indigena”, which means indigenous canoeing in English. Most of the children live on the water in large family canoes.
Their coach Oliveira Codeiro said the children, some as young as seven, have all the necessary abilities to become successful athletes.
“They were practically born in indigenous canoes which helps them with their balance and stamina. Their times are excellent. They are quick and are getting better every day,” said Codeiro.
The project began two years ago, in 2019, and dos Santos’ recent accomplishment has got many children wanting to sign up for the initiative.
Image source: @Reuters
