On the opening day of the 2016 Paralympic Games, it didn’t take host nation Brazil long to win their first gold medal.
And it came in remarkable fashion, as Ricardo Costa de Oliveira snatched gold from the USA’s Lex Gillette with his last long jump.
Ricardo Costa takes Brazil's first #Gold of #Rio2016 in the T11 Men's Long Jump with 6.52m on his last attempt. pic.twitter.com/G3uQTJuuoA
— Rio 2016 (@Rio2016_en) September 8, 2016
Just watched first bit of Rio @Paralympics â Brazil snatch gold from US in last round of long jump. Athleteâs pain/joy what itâs all about.
— Jo Gunston (@SportsLiberated) September 8, 2016
The locals were clearly impressed, creating a remarkable amount of noise as they celebrated their new hero.
Brazil's 1st Paralympic gold… What a great T11 Blind Long Jump.. Ricardo Costa de Oliveira delights the crowd 6m52 #crowdgowild
— Katharine Merry (@KatharineMerry) September 8, 2016
Maybe this is the sort of result that could attract more spectators?
I take it Brazil just won a gold medal in the long jump judging by the amount of noise in the stadium. Brazil first gold! #GoParalympicsGB
— Greg Hill (@GrecianGreg) September 8, 2016
People were also hugely impressed by the event itself. Competing in the T11 category, this is an event for the visually impaired. As such, athletes have a guide standing near the sandpit to give them a sense of perspective.
nah the paralympic long jump is absolutely remarkable to watch
— BigBoat (@BigBoat_88) September 8, 2016
Watching the Paralympic blind long jump is just so cool
— Ines Bowman-Boyles (@BowmanInes) September 8, 2016
So in awe of the Paralympic athletes. Imagine how difficult doing long jump would be when you're blind. #Paralympics
— Josh Sims (@joshsims22) September 8, 2016
What an inspirational start to the Paralympic Games!
"No need for sight when you have vision"
I think the blind long jump might just be my favourite Paralympic event ð pic.twitter.com/Lb512gkc9b— BigSport (@BigSportGB) September 8, 2016
