Partners on and off the court: Meet Brazil’s Edwarda and Rogério Oliveira

After a “rollercoaster of emotions” at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Edwarda de Oliveira Dia and Rogerio Junior Xavier de Oliveira have new goals in mindPara badminton player Rogerio proposed to two-time Paralympic sitting volleyball medallist Edwarda during the Paris 2024 Paralympics

Six months after saying ‘yes’ to the love of her life at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Brazil’s Edwarda de Oliveira Dias is not just busy planning the perfect wedding, she also has her eyes set on competing at the next Games in 2028. This time in a different sport, Para badminton, but with partner Rogério Junior Xavier de Oliveira by her side.

Edwarda, a two-time Paralympic bronze medalist in sitting volleyball (2016, 2020) and part of the fourth-place finishing team at Paris 2024, decided to quit sitting volleyball last year.

“I wanted to have new challenges and continue with individual sport. And, above all, share the court and life with the person I love the most,” Edwarda, who slowly started to make her way into Para badminton in 2022, explained.

Rogério and Edwarda have already shared the podium in Para badminton, and they are currently world No. 5 in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 rankings. They are the reigning Para Pan American champions and want to celebrate success on and off the court.

“We’ve only been training together for a short while. We’re currently still recovering a bit from the rollercoaster ride that was Paris 2024. But our plans for the future are to dedicate ourselves to our evolution and performance on the court”, Edwarda added. “We always want the best results.”

Saying ‘yes’ in the City of Love

At Paris 2024, the two provided a heartwarming moment at La Chapelle Arena, when Rogério got down on one knee after his Para badminton match holding a sign with the words ‘Edwarda Will You Marry Me?’ and a ring box.

“The proposal was something I planned long before the Paralympics”, Rogério said. “Because Paris is the city of love, everything came together. I knew it was the perfect opportunity to do it.”

Edwarda was watching Rogerio’s singles match against French star Lucas Mazur in the stands. Overwhelmed by emotions, Edwarda accepted the proposal.

“It took me a while to process what was happening”, she said with a smile. “After all it was a dream come true. We went through a lot to get to Paris and the moment he proposed was one of the most special moments of my life.”

It also strengthened their bond, Rogério added. “It increased the love for each other. We’ve now been together for seven years and we now have new dreams and goals to fulfill.” 

A Hollywood love story

Nowadays, the two compete together with the aim to make it to the LA2028 Paralympic Games. “Her move to Para badminton was something she initiated herself”, Rogério said. “It never surprised me, because she loves to challenge herself. She is full of drive, determination and motivation wherever she goes. I must confess: this woman is a machine.

“She’s not afraid to take risks. Everything she sets out to do, she does well.”

But according to Edwarda, that is only possible because of the ongoing support from her partner. “He’s my biggest supporter and by my side all the time. He believes in me, in us, even if we lose 21-0. This whole change of sport isn’t easy, but he helps me with everything on and off the court.”

Not only on the easy days but especially on the tough ones. “I feel like I’m having a much happier and fulfilled life with him by my side. He teaches me to trust myself, my talent and my potential. With that, I’m sure we can reach our goals”, Edwarda said.