Etson Barros begins rehabilitation after severe traffic accident

Portuguese hurdler Etson Barros, a 25‑year‑old national record holder in the 3,000‑metre hurdles, was discharged from hospital on Monday following a three‑month stay after a severe traffic crash that caused a traumatic brain injury. He has started a motor, nutritional and sensory rehabilitation programme at a specialised clinic in the Algarve.

Barros’s coach, Paulo Murta, emphasized that the priority is the athlete’s health, autonomy and quality of life before any return to competition, stating: “A prioridade é, acima de tudo, a recuperação do homem, da sua saúde, autonomia e qualidade de vida.” He described the recovery as a long and demanding process that will require daily work, competence, dedication and persistence.

The crash occurred on 16 April on a road between Estoi and Olhão, leaving Barros in an induced coma with a guarded prognosis. Born in Cabo Verde with dual nationality, Barros has won five national titles, multiple European medals and represented Portugal at recent World and European championships.