An inflammation of the eye called uveitis left Joao Maia da Silva almost completely blind at 28-years-old, but could not stop him from becoming a photographer and fulfilling his dream of covering the Paralympic Games.
In 2003, the Brazilian took part in a photography course for visually impaired people. That started a career that reached its peak earlier this September when he covered Rio 2016 and became internationally known for his striking talent. The 41-year-old was an athlete, competing in javelin and shot put in regional events, where he used to take the camera to start shooting once his events were over.
