In February, she achieved the feat of playing in a senior world championship with only one arm, and now the Brazilian has been selected to compete in both Games. Alexandre is the third athlete in history. Her sense of overcoming challenges knows no bounds.

The first time was at the Team World Championships in South Korea last February. It was there that Sandra Alexandre openly helped her team, Brazil, to reach the round of sixteen. There they met the almighty South Korea, who eliminated the Canarinha. 

She dazzled with her unique style of play, showing few limitations despite missing an arm. Those who knew her knew that this would not be the end. Alexandre is destined to make history, having taken another step forward with her country's bid to take part in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024.

She was only a few months old when a blood disorder led to the loss of her right arm. Instead of giving up, Alexandre found motivation through sport. Having tried other sports, it was table tennis that captured her. 

Her results in the Paralympic Games have improved, with a bronze medal in Rio 2016 and a silver medal in Tokyo 2020. It has all contributed to her current position as the world's number two Paralympian. Alexandre is also a four-time Paralympic medallist. Now she has the chance to go for it all in Paris 2024.

She has proven her ability and the Brazilian federation has decided to give her a double reward. She will be one of the few athletes to pack her bags when the Olympic Games begin on 26 July, and who knows when she will pick them up again. The end of the Paralympics is 8 September. 

Back in February, the table tennis sensation made it clear that she could compete with anyone, having recorded two singles victories at the Championships: a 3-2 win over Iran's Shima Safaei in the group stage, and a 3-0 victory over Hungary's Bernadett Balint in the round of 32.

"Of all the years I have lived, this day will forever mark my journey," Alexandre said in a message on social media. "I never thought that I would live and endure so many challenges that life has imposed on me since I was 2 months old. Today I can celebrate, sing and even cry and share with all those who love me and accompany me on my journey. 

"I have just become the first athlete in the history of Brazil to be called to play in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the same Olympiad," she added.

Her story is an example of overcoming challenges. Like so many others that will come to light with the arrival of Paris 2024. Every athlete has one. Paralympic athletes go even further, proving that there is nothing they cannot overcome. At the table tennis competition in Paris, she will meet many teammates and rivals with real stories to tell. 

Like Najlah Imad, who was just three years old when her father, a soldier, was attacked. She lost part of her right leg, the knee of her left leg and her right forearm. 

Imad picked up a table tennis paddle at the age of ten and competed at Tokyo 2020. Now she will be part of the Paris 2024 team. Alexandre and Imad are two superheroes.