Paralympian Bruno Carra: From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu To Para Powerlifting
The Albino Foundation Public Notice
Carra went from training as a hobby to becoming a world-class Para powerlifter.
Para Powerlifter Bruno Carra, known by his nickname “Bubu,” hails from Salto, Brazil. Born with achondroplasia, also known as dwarfism, the 32-year-old Carra suffered from pain in his knees and hips. Despite the recommendations from his doctor not to, Carra sought training at his local gym to help alleviate his joint pain.
Luckily, his training was effective at easing his pain. It even inspired him to branch out further and try his hand at Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He noticed that despite his smaller stature compared to others training in the martial art, he was stronger than many of his jiu-jitsu partners.
One of those partners recognized his strength and connected him to a powerlifting coach who did not train any Para powerlifters at the time. To Carra’s surprise, his coach showed him a lift that he was already doing in the gym as part of his hobby: bench pressing.
In 2009, he made his International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) debut in the non-disabled category at the age of 21. In 2010, Carra learned of the existence of World Para Powerlifting through social media. In our interview with Carra, he said: “It was like love at first sight.”
Carra has competed in multiple weight classes since his competitive career began in 2010 including the 65-kilogram class, the 60-kilogram class, the 59-kilogram class, the 56-kilogram class, and the 54-kilogram class, where he currently competes. His competitive resume includes the following successes:
54-Kilogram Weight Class
- 2015 Sao Paulo National Powerlifting Competition — First Place
- 2015 Sao Paulo National Powerlifting Competition — First Place
- 2016 IPC Powerlifting World Cup, Rio — First Place
- 2016 IPC Powerlifting World Cup, Kuala Lumpur — Fourth Place
- 2016 Rio Paralympic Games — Fourth Place
- 2018 Brazilian National Para Powerlifting Competition — First Place
- 2019 Para Powerlifting World Cup — Third Place
- 2019 Parapan Am Games — First Place
- 2020 Road to Tokyo Para Powerlifting World Cup — Second Place