Chapter Milestones: Brazil
Achilles International's late founder, Dick Traum, made history as the first person with a prosthetic leg to complete the New York City Marathon, inspiring a movement that has spent the last five decades breaking down barriers and expanding access to athletics for people with disabilities.
As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of that historic finish, we're highlighting the people, chapters, and milestones that have helped shape the Achilles community around the world. Today, that movement spans 62 chapters, each making an impact in its own unique way.
We asked members of the Achilles Brazil community to reflect on the moments that have defined their chapter, the milestones they've celebrated, and what Achilles means to them. Read Chapter Leader Edson Santi's reflection below.
Edson Santi, Chapter Leader, Achilles Brazil
My Achilles journey began on January 25, 2012, when I participated in the São Paulo City Trophy. It was my very first experience riding a handcycle. It was there that I was introduced to Achilles by Mario Mello and Mario Rollo, who invited me to become part of the organization.
The roots of Achilles Brazil go back even further. In 2006, Mario Mello, who had already participated in the New York City Marathon alongside athletes with disabilities, was invited by Dick Traum to represent Achilles in Brazil. That invitation planted the seed for what would eventually become our chapter.
In 2016, we formed an informal board of six dedicated members who shared a vision for growing Achilles in Brazil. Two years later, in 2018, we were officially recognized as a non-governmental organization in Brazil, an important milestone that strengthened our ability to serve athletes with disabilities across the country.
From the beginning, our goal was steady, organic growth. We built partnerships with race organizers, sought out sponsors, and increased our presence at races and community events. Along the way, we invited more people to become volunteer guides and encouraged athletes with disabilities to discover everything Achilles has to offer.
Looking back, I am most proud of the people who have made this journey possible. We have always relied on the maturity, resilience, and generosity of our volunteers to lead, organize, and support every aspect of our work. We never tried to grow too quickly. Instead, we built our chapter one step at a time, making the most of every opportunity and every resource that came our way.
Today, we embrace a philosophy of shared responsibility. Achilles Brazil is more than an organization, it is a family. Everyone contributes, supports one another, and works together toward a common purpose.
One of my favorite memories is from a planning meeting we held in 2015 to kick off the year's activities. Even though only a small group of us gathered around the table, we were already dreaming big. We believed Achilles Brazil could become a strong, influential community, and seeing how far we've come since then has been incredibly rewarding.
The greatest lesson I have learned is that lasting change is built through dialogue, determination, and compassion. Rather than demanding opportunities, we work to earn them through collaboration and trust. We believe leadership means placing responsibility in the hands of people who are not only qualified, but who lead with their hearts.
As we look toward the future, I am excited to continue growing our community, welcoming more athletes and guides, and ensuring that Achilles Brazil remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to move, belong, and achieve more than they ever thought possible.
