Video: Hidden camera captures reactions when para-athletes show up

Gym-goers across Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, got a close-up look at what para-athletes are capable of thanks to a social experiment using hidden cameras that was part of the advertising campaign for tickets to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Click here to watch the video.

During one week in August, Brazilian para-athletes turned up unannounced at gyms across Rio. After receiving a few bemused looks, the athletes set about impressing – and in some cases frightening – the onlookers. The onlookers’ reactions to the Brazilian para-athletes working out were captured in this video.

Powerlifter Luciano Dantas (bronze medallist in August’s Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games), visually impaired judoka Lucia Teixeira (silver medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games) and sprinter Vinicius Rodrigues (a 100m and 200m medal hopeful for the Rio 2016) stunned the locals.

Dantas bench pressed more than twice his own body weight. Teixeira floored the Rio de Janeiro judo champ, and Rodrigues showcased his speed by running over 15mph (23kmph) on the treadmill.

Felix del Valle, creative director of video makers Ogilvy Brasil, said: “More than simply a social experiment, this action is proof that when you watch these athletes up close, you really will be amazed.”

Rio 2016 tickets go on sale on Monday (7 September).

Rio 2016 will celebrate one year to the Paralympic Games with a sports and culture festival alongside Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas on 6-7 September.