At 64, Eugenio Santana Franco from Brazil is set to make his debut at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. As one of the oldest competitors in para-archery, he brings with him an inspiring narrative.
Eugenio previously worked as a nurse, primarily caring for children. “I treated lots of children,” he recalled. “Many of them faced the prospect of amputated limbs. I told them about things they could still accomplish. They often responded, ‘Sir, I’m sorry, I won’t be able to, I’ll have no legs.’ To inspire them, I started showing videos of para-archery, especially featuring Matt Stutzman.”
This effort was Eugenio’s way of providing hope to those embarking on new journeys in life, especially when their worlds seemed shattered. “Years later, I shared videos of myself with them,” he noted.
Speaking from his wheelchair, Eugenio described his health challenges, detailing how various illnesses have impacted his life. “I suffer from ankylosing spondylitis, diabetes, hypertension, and Parkinson’s disease. Two years ago, doctors diagnosed me with a heart aneurysm that cannot be treated with surgery,” he shared.
Ankylosing spondylitis has led Eugenio to rely on a wheelchair. “It’s a disease that causes stiffness in the joints,” he explained. “It began in 2011, but it took about four or five years for a proper diagnosis. Initially, I used a cane, then crutches, and eventually transitioned to a wheelchair.”
Despite the personal struggles he faced, Eugenio remained mentally resilient. “I spent my entire career working with patients and witnessed many conditions and difficulties. I accepted my situation rather naturally,” he said. “It’s crucial to approach such experiences with a smile and make the most of them, as it can happen to anyone.”