Miguel Oliveira Pereira overcomes accident through gymnastics

Miguel Oliveira Pereira, an 11-year-old boy from Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro, has used gymnastics to overcome the physical and emotional aftermath of a severe accident. Three years ago, at age eight, Miguel was struck by a motorcycle, resulting in a femur fracture that required two surgeries and the use of an external fixator. His family initially feared he might not regain the ability to walk normally.

To complement his physical therapy, Miguel joined the ‘Giro por Ginásticas’ project, run by the Instituto Bons Ventos. Under the guidance of coordinator José Marcelo Gonçalves Ribeiro, Miguel worked gradually to rebuild his confidence and physical strength.

After initially struggling with pain and fear, Miguel has progressed to becoming one of the standout students in his class. He has successfully mastered complex movements, such as the double somersault, which were once considered impossible due to his injuries.