Paris 2024: Twin joy in Para swimming final as Borges Carneiro family celebrate

At the La Defense Arena in Paris, twin sisters Debora and Beatriz Borges Carneiro achieved something amazing in Para swimming. They won silver and bronze medals in the women’s 100m breaststroke SB14 final, and they celebrated together on the podium.

The special moment was even more memorable because it was their father’s birthday.

Debora, who won the silver medal, said, “This is a gift for him. It’s a unique moment for me to share with my sister and represent my family and hometown.”

Beatriz, who won bronze, was overwhelmed with emotion. She said, “I’m really happy to be on the podium with my sister. This bronze feels like gold. I was so emotional I was afraid I might have a heart attack.”

While they enjoyed their time on the podium, they were fierce competitors in the pool. They compete against each other just like any other rivals.

Debora and Beatriz have often shared the spotlight in their careers. Last year, at the World Championships in Manchester, Debora won gold and Beatriz won silver. At the Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile, their results were reversed. Competing together at the Paralympic Games in Paris was extra special for them.

Debora said, “We are sisters and we care for each other, but in the pool, we want to win. I have to watch the clock and my sister. It’s a healthy rivalry because we train and motivate each other. We push each other to be better. Our real rival is the clock.”

The twins also share a love for the Disney film ‘Finding Nemo’, especially the character Dory, who says “just keep swimming.” They even have tattoos saying “keep swimming” and Beatriz named her dog after Dory.

Debora said, “We’re big fans of Dory because she has an intellectual disability and short-term memory loss, just like us. We feel a connection with her.”

Whether it’s Dory’s message or their shared love of competing, the twins achieved something that they will remember forever.