Get to know Maria Paula and her family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AmjMurfD2Q<br /><br />Despite not qualifying for Rio 2016, the S10 athlete is determined to take her progress forward into her long term future.<br />“I hope to represent my country at Tokyo 2020 and win a Paralympic medal,” Barrera said.<br />“Santiago 2014 was my first international competition and it showed me what I am capable of achieving. No one expected a 12-year-old to climb onto the podium three times.<br />“I also exceeded my expectations at Toronto 2015, where I could rub shoulders with some of the best swimmers in the continent and learn from them ahead of future competitions.”<br />Barerra is also grateful for the support she received through the camp.<br />“The Agitos Foundation has supported me in my swimming training, has followed me in different international competitions and has recognised my hard work, which I deeply appreciate,” she said.<br />Barrera has a congenital absence of the tibia in her left leg and started swimming as a way of rehabilitation. She had a leg brace fitted and underwent surgery, meaning she could not regularly attend school.<br />“My brother used to swim at a club close to where I was doing my rehab exercises and I decided to join him. Since then, swimming has been an important part of my life,” she said.<br /><br />“I have lived a normal life, have never been bullied because of my disability and have always had the support of my family and friends. There are always people that look at you in a strange way in the streets, but I really do not care.”<br />Currently, Barrera is studying for her high school diploma and describes herself as “disciplined and efficient.” After that, she aims to start college and continue with swimming. <br />“For the time being, I want to keep growing as a person and as an athlete. Over the years, I need to find out what my purpose in life is and to discover more exciting things,” she said.<br />“Sometimes it might not be easy, but I believe people without impairment also go through difficult moments. We just have to accept ourselves as we are and need to learn to live with what life has given us.”<br />Barerra’s father, German, says there have been times where he has had to step-in: “The truth is, the only time I notice anyone looking at my daughter is when she competes in able-bodied competitions where people don’t know her.<br />“People look at her leg and she turns to me and says she doesn’t want to swim.<br />“I tell her not to worry. Get in the water and you will see that once you get out people will look at you differently.”<br />Clean, broadcast quality versions of Barrera’s videos are available free of charge to all media. Requests should be submitted to footage@paralympic.org. The Agitos Foundation must be credited for all use of footage.<br />The Agitos Foundation road to Rio 2016 videos will feature at least one athlete per week until the 4 August, to show the compelling stories that exist in Para sport development as part of #TeamAgitos. A final video for each athlete will then be published the week before the Rio 2016 Paralympics begin.<br />Anyone can use #TeamAgitos on social media to show they are part of the team, whether they are fans, athletes, coaches, part of the Paralympic Movement or a partner organisation.
