Glock aims to lead next generation of Brazil’s swimmers

Brazilian rising star Talisson Glock believes he is heading towards the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in fine form, as he looks for Paralympic glory in his home pool in one year’s time.

Glock, who will be just 21 when next year’s Paralympics take place, revealed his confidence: “I can say I'm very optimistic. This season has been really good and I have been training really well. I had a pretty good competition both at the Parapan Am Games and at the World Championships, so I expect to be also in a good shape in Rio.”

Glock had a superb summer, starring at the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships in Glasgow, Great Britain and the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games.

The S6 athlete medalled three times in Glasgow, taking silver medals in the 100m backstroke S6 and 4x100m freestyle relay 34 points. He also added a bronze in the 200m individual medley SM6 to those podium finishes.

And his summer did not finish there. Glock emerged from Toronto 2015 with victory in the 100m backstroke S6 and 200m individual medley SM6, as well as a silver and bronze double.

With impressive performances this year behind him Glock is confident about his chances going into a Paralympic year.

“So far so good.” Glock said. “Preparations have been great. My coach [Felipe Silva] is excellent, next year we will take advantage of a brand new Paralympic Centre in Sao Paulo, so we will be able to focus 100 per cent just on training.”

Glock is one of many Brazilian swimmers to have performed well this summer, with the likes of multiple world and Paralympic champions Daniel Dias and Andre Brasil adding to their incredible career tally so far. Emerging stars will also be in their prime next summer, Ruiter Silva another who enjoyed a successful Parapan Games.

Glock is confident that his teammates will shine on home soil next summer.

“We have a pretty strong core of young swimmers and I'm sure they will surprise many people in Rio 2016,” he said. “Plus, we always can rely on Daniel Dias and Andre Brasil, who are established international stars.”

A home Paralympics is special for anybody, as shown in recent years. London 2012 encapsulated the spirit of the British public, with Eleanor Simmonds amongst those to emerge as a national hero. Unsurprisingly, home glory is something Glock has on his mind.

“It will be different from everything we have experienced so far, no question about it,” Glock said, echoing the sentiments of many of his compatriots. “This home-court advantage will give us an edge. I'm pretty sure the great structure we have here in Brazil combined with our supporters will set a great environment. That's the goal for every single professional athlete: going to the Paralympics, getting a medal, that is always the focus. So hopefully I will be able to have good races in Rio and to get medals.

“I also aim at representing the new generation of the Brazilian Paralympic swimming.”

With one year until Rio 2016 begins, Glock looks well placed to have the most memorable year of his career.

Tickets for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games are now on sale for Brazilian residents.