By Krystal Hu
PARIS (Reuters) – Brazil’s Bruna Alexandre hits and slices like other table tennis players at the Paris Olympics, but she uses the paddle in her left hand to launch the ball high when serving.

This movement, which now seems easy and natural, was once the most difficult thing for Alexandre, a one-armed girl who wanted to do sports.

Alexandre’s first Olympic journey was cut short by an unfortunate draw as Brazil faced the world’s top-ranked team South Korea in the first round on Monday, but he managed to perform well despite losing two matches in the doubles and singles.

Speaking after Brazil’s 3-1 defeat, Alexandre, 29, said: “It wasn’t the result I was hoping for but we are very happy with what we achieved.”

“We didn’t give up until the end. Korea is one of the best teams. I managed to get a few points, which made me personally very happy and I’m proud of my team who fought until the end.”

At three months old, Alexandre lost his arm to a blood clot. He started playing table tennis at the age of seven and has won several titles, including a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympics and a silver medal in Tokyo in 2021.

“Never give up on your dreams, whether you have one leg or one arm. Believe that anything is possible. Today, in the 22nd year of my career, I am at the Olympics,” he said.

Alexandre added that he has his sights set on a gold medal at the Paralympics and plans to return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

“There were other athletes who managed to play in the Olympic Games. I think this can help not only sports but also the inclusion of people with disabilities,” he said.

The Paralympic Games will run from 28 August to 8 September.

(Reporting by Krystal Hu in Paris; Editing by Ken Ferris)

Disclaimer: This report is auto-generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint is not responsible for its content.