Paraplegic athlete climbs one of the most difficult trails in Rio de Janeiro

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — It is perhaps the most difficult trail in Rio de Janeiro, with one particularly daunting section that requires a dangerous climb that can make hikers paralyze with fear.

But this week, paraplegic athlete Ezequiel da Luz, 40, traversed the jungle and over rocks to reach the summit of Pedra da Gavea, which rises above the Atlantic Ocean.

Da Luz had been waiting since 2021 and traveled more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) by bus from southern Brazil when her chance to move up came with the help of an organization called the Inclusion Collective. His volunteers on December 18 surrounded and supported the weight of a specialized wheelchair, placed inside a metal frame as they helped da Luz climb up.

”What logistics!” da Luz exclaimed as his compact group helped him pass through a narrow section at the beginning of the trail.

The Inclusion Collective started three years ago and has completed more than 50 hikes, 12 of them to Pedra da Gavea, plus others on less challenging trails, according to Bruna Souza, the group’s administrator.

“We can show that if we have the will, inclusion can happen anywhere, not just where there is a ramp,” Souza told The Associated Press along the trail. “You can’t just go to malls; you can go to other places. It can be fun for everyone.”

The volunteers on Wednesday were mostly hiking and climbing guides already familiar with the route. They joined hikers who cheered da Luz on during his eight-hour ascent, with an elevation gain of 800 meters (2,600 feet). In the scariest section, called Carrasqueira, the volunteers used a rope system to hoist their chair.

“I’ve never seen anything like this in terms of accessibility, people helping,” said Adriele Neves, a 29-year-old hiker. “It’s beautiful work.”

Once Carrasqueira was conquered, Da Luz went straight to the summit. As he propelled himself forward, waving a Brazilian flag in the air, volunteers and other hikers already at the top burst into applause.

“I didn’t know I had so many challenges and so many obstacles,” he told the AP at the top of the mountain. “Today, being here in Pedra da Gavea, together with this group that promotes inclusion, is the realization of a dream.”

Unfortunately, the summit was covered in fog, obstructing the view of Ipanema Beach and Dos Hermanos Hill. It seemed that da Luz was not going to be able to enjoy the majestic view of Pedra da Gavea.

But within minutes, the clouds dissipated and a few rays of sunshine filtered through the sky, perhaps just for him.

“Even in this, God was generous,” da Luz said. “Look there, what an incredible view. What a wonderful sight!”