Lars Grael
Encyclopedia
Lars Schmidt Grael (born February 9, 1964 in São Paulo
) is a former sailor
and Brazil
ian politician
. His brother, Torben Grael
, is also a sailor.
Grael is the winner of two Olympic medals, one in the 1988 Summer Olympics
, the other in the 1996 Summer Olympics
. He was world champion in 1983 for the Snipe class and ten time Brazilian and five time South American champion for the Tornado class.
In September 1998, he suffered a serious accident in Vitória, Espírito Santo
, caused by the negligence of an irresponsible boat driver that left the boat propeller
uncovered, which amputated one of the athlete's legs. Grael then gradually began to take a role to promote the sport in politics.
São Paulo
São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, the largest city in the southern hemisphere and South America, and the world's seventh largest city by population. The metropolis is anchor to the São Paulo metropolitan area, ranked as the second-most populous metropolitan area in the Americas and among...
) is a former sailor
Sailor
A sailor, mariner, or seaman is a person who navigates water-borne vessels or assists in their operation, maintenance, or service. The term can apply to professional mariners, military personnel, and recreational sailors as well as a plethora of other uses...
and Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
. His brother, Torben Grael
Torben Grael
Torben Schmidt Grael is one of the most well known Brazilian sailors, renowned in international competitions. A descendant of Danes, he was taken sailing by his grandfather at five years old on the sailboat Aileen, of the extinct 6 meter class, which was the boat used by the silver medal winning...
, is also a sailor.
Grael is the winner of two Olympic medals, one in the 1988 Summer Olympics
1988 Summer Olympics
The 1988 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIV Olympiad, were an all international multi-sport events celebrated from September 17 to October 2, 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. They were the second summer Olympic Games to be held in Asia and the first since the 1964 Summer Olympics...
, the other in the 1996 Summer Olympics
1996 Summer Olympics
The 1996 Summer Olympics of Atlanta, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad and unofficially known as the Centennial Olympics, was an international multi-sport event which was celebrated in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States....
. He was world champion in 1983 for the Snipe class and ten time Brazilian and five time South American champion for the Tornado class.
In September 1998, he suffered a serious accident in Vitória, Espírito Santo
Espírito Santo
Espírito Santo is one of the states of southeastern Brazil, often referred to by the abbreviation "ES". Its capital is Vitória and the largest city is Vila Velha. The name of the state means literally "holy spirit" after the Holy Ghost of Christianity...
, caused by the negligence of an irresponsible boat driver that left the boat propeller
Propeller
A propeller is a type of fan that transmits power by converting rotational motion into thrust. A pressure difference is produced between the forward and rear surfaces of the airfoil-shaped blade, and a fluid is accelerated behind the blade. Propeller dynamics can be modeled by both Bernoulli's...
uncovered, which amputated one of the athlete's legs. Grael then gradually began to take a role to promote the sport in politics.