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In Río Tercero, province of Córdoba, Gustavo Fernández’s image is the living image of perseverance. His achievements playing wheelchair tennis resulted in him being recognized—at an integrated awards ceremony in 2017—as the athlete of the year in his province, birthplace of great tennis athletes such as David Nalbandián. In August, he will shine with his own light in Lima 2019.
“Gusti” is the current Parapan American champion in his discipline. He won two gold medals in men’s singles and doubles at Toronto 2015, added to his gold medal in singles at Guadalajara 2011. Lawn Tennis de la Exposición Club courts will be the privileged stage that will see the current number one of the ITF ranking (International Tennis Federation) shine.
Last June, Fernández won his fourth trophy at Grand Slam tournaments (ITF major events), after winning the Roland Garros this year—his second title in Paris, after his 2016 win. Previously, he had won the 2017 and 2019 Australian Open, making it a total of 22 titles in his career.
“What we see in this discipline means progress in society to value athletes as they are. It is a loving caress for the soul. I don’t even realize how many hours I train every day, but you don’t have to complain about the effort if you love what you do. Don't ever avoid sacrifice,” said Fernandez, at the medal ceremony.
There are still major challenges for 25-year-old Fernandez, such as the gold medal in the Tokyo 2020 Games. In Lima, he will try to win his third gold medal in singles and to qualify for next year's Paralympic Games. If he managed to overcome the spinal cord stroke that left him unable to move his legs, when he was only a year and a half old, then he must able to reach the top of the sports world.
ABOUT LIMA 2019
The Parapan American Games will gather 1890 Para athletes from 33 countries, participating in 17 sports and 18 disciplines. Competitions will take place from August 23 to September 1, 2019. Additionally, 13 Para sports will be qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Wheelchair tennis events will take place from August 24 to 30, at Lawn Tennis de la Exposición Club courts. The competitions will be held in men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and quad singles and doubles, a category adapted for wheelchair tennis athletes with quadriplegia.
