Athlete killed in 1999 won the bronze in the triple jump at the 1976 and 1980 Olympics
The law was sanctioned that inscribes the name of João Carlos de Oliveira (1954-1999), the João do Pulo, in the book of Heroes and Heroines of the Fatherland. A was in the Monday edition (31.mar.2025) Official Gazette of the Union.
Born in Pindamonhangaba (SP), João do Pulo was born on May 28, 1954 and stood out as one of the biggest names in Brazilian athletics. At 19, he hit the Junior World Triple Salto record at the South American Athletics Championship.
Two years later, he shone at the 1975 Pan American Games in Mexico City, winning gold medals in the distance jump and triple jump, establishing the new world record in this category. The 17.89 meters brand remained at the top for 10 years.
At the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976, he took the bronze medal. In 1979, he became a two-time Pan American champion in the triple jump and distance jump.
João do Pulo’s trajectory in sport was interrupted by a car accident in 1981, which resulted in amputation of his right leg at 27. However, he followed in public life. He graduated in Physical Education and was elected state deputy in São Paulo in 1986. He died in 1999 at the age of 45.
Recognition
The law that honors the athlete originated in a bill presented by the federal deputy (PSB-SP) in the House of Representatives. In the Senate, the proposal () was reported by the Senator (PSB-GO) and the Sports Commission on March 19, 2025.
During the project appreciation at the Sports Commission, Jorge Kajuru cited the importance of the tribute, reaffirming the athlete’s legacy.
“João do Pulo was a tireless advocate of the transforming power of sport by recognizing that he goes beyond the conquest of medals, serves as a fundamental tool for inclusion and promotion of citizenship”said the senator.
President of the Senate Sport Commission, (PDT-DF) also celebrated the inscription of the athlete’s name in the book of Heroes and Heroines of the Fatherland.
“I feel a privileged to be in this house, which deserves the name of João Carlos de Oliveira, João do Pulo, in the book of Heroes and Heroines of the Fatherland. A man who in fact deserves this tribute throughout the trajectory.”declared the congressman and Olympic medalist.
Stored at the Pantheon of the Fatherland and Freedom Tancredo Neves, in Brasilia, the book records in steel pages the names of Brazilians who stood out in the history of the country.
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