Submitted by John Guimaraes
Catarina Guimaraes walks and talks like a typical 14 year old girl, but it’s what you don’t see that makes her journey so special.
Catarina was born 9 weeks premature, and while everything was as normal as could be, it wasn’t until later she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. What manifested as a “Toe Walker” quickly became a condition which prevents half her body from normally reacting to brain signals.
Today, through constant therapy, physical activity and daily exercise and conditioning, Catarina is coming onto the scene of Adaptive or Paralympic Track and Field with flare. Now internationally ranked with many 20 year olds, she made a name for herself in this year’s International Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports competition held in Athlone, Ireland.
Catarina represented Team USA in the 100m, 200m, 400m and Long Jump with athletes from around the world and of varying degrees of disability.
Earning a Silver medal in the the Long Jump and the 400m, Catarina has solidified her position in emerging athlete status with the US Olympic Team.
With the competition schedule wrapping up, Catarina has one more major competition this year which is the National Junior Disability Championships held in Indianapolis. Her training doesn’t stop there as she prepares to tryout for High School Soccer and High School Track and Field.
Catarina, an incoming Freshman to Cranford High School, is by no means typical, just an example of what focus and hard work can mean to any person with challenges.
(above) Cranford rising freshman Catarina Guimaraes represented Team USA at the International Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports competition held in Athlone, Ireland this year. Her hard work and dedication earned her the Silver medal in the the Long Jump and the 400m.
(above) Catarina Guimaraes, pictured left, during medal presentation.
