Dias: My top five career moments

With only a few days until Brazil’s most successful Paralympian Daniel Dias enters his fourth World Championships in Glasgow, Great Britain, the 17-time world champion has reflected on an incredible career.

Looking back on a decade-long list of achievements, Dias lets us in on what has meant the most to him as he looks to defend six world titles from 13 July.

1. First competition

“It was in Belo Horizonte, Brazil back in 2005. That was when I realised I could become an athlete at a high level.”

2. First World Championships

“That was in Durban in 2006. It was my first international travel and I came back a Brazilian revelation!”

Dias returned home from his first major international competition a star, having picked up three gold medals.

3. First Parapan American Games

For Dias, the 2007 competition had real significance, being held in Rio, the host city for next year’s Paralympics. “It was a chance for my family and friends to watch me compete.”

4. First Paralympic Games

“This was Beijing 2008. That is every athlete’s dream, and it is where I won my first gold medal on September 7th.”

Dias made the long trip home from Beijing with four gold medals from his first Games, as the world recognised Dias as one of the future headliners of the sport.

5. Laureus Awards

“My first and second Laureus awards were incredible. It was when I was recognised as the best Paralympic athlete in the world.”

Dias will line-up at the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships alongside more than 580 of the world’s best para-swimmers from nearly 70 countries.

Catch them in action between 13-19 July - Tickets are still available priced from GBP 10/15 for heats/finals. Children under 16 go free (terms and conditions apply).

All seven days of action will be shown live at Glasgow2015.com.