Video: hidden camera shows amazed reaction of gym regulars when para-athletes show up
Amputee sprinter, blind judoka and powerlifter with dwarfism show amateurs how it's done in film to promote ticket sales for Rio 2016 Paralympic Games
Powerlifter Luciano Dantas drew gasps by lifting more than twice his body weight (Rio 2016)
Gym regulars across Rio de Janeiro got a close-up look at what Paralympic athletes are capable of – and had some of their preconceptions challenged – thanks to a social experiment using hidden cameras that is part of the advertising campaign for tickets to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
During one week in August, Brazilian para-athletes turned up unannounced at gyms across Rio and, after receiving a few bemused looks, set about impressing – and it somes cases frightening – the onlookers. Check out their amazed reactions in the video below:
Powerlifter Luciano Dantas (who won a bronze medal at this year’s Parapan American Games), visually impaired judoka Lúcia Teixeira (who won silver at the London 2012 Paralympic Games) and amputee sprinter Vinícius Rodrigues (a 100m and 200m medal hope for the Rio 2016 Games) stunned the locals.
Dantas bench pressed more than twice his own body weight. Teixeira floored the Rio de Janeiro judo champ, and Rodrigues set a new gym record by running over 15mph (23kmph) on the treadmill.
Félix del Valle, creative director of video makers Ogilvy Brasil, said: “More than simply a social experiment, this action is proof that when you watch these athletes up close, you really will be amazed.”
Tickets to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games go on sale on Monday (7 September). Click here to find out more.
Rio 2016 will celebrate one year to the Paralympic Games with a sports and culture festival alongside Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas on 6-7 September.
