Will initially tried swimming and football but found his true calling in judo. He mentioned, "I like to swim, but I did not like training with the high-performance team. I tried football, but I was not very good even when I had perfect vision; after being blind, it was pure chaos." His journey began at a local club in 2009.

Coaching and Training

Will trains under the guidance of national coaches Alexandre Garcia and Jaime Braganca, along with Antonio Junior. Their combined expertise has significantly contributed to his development as a top-tier athlete.

Injuries and Recovery

In the lead-up to the 2020 Paralympic Games, Will underwent surgery twice. Despite these setbacks, he continued to train and compete at an elite level, showcasing his resilience and determination.

Awards and Recognition

Will's talent has not gone unnoticed. He received the 'Premio Paralimpico' for Para Judoka of the Year from the Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) in 2014, 2015, 2022, and 2023. Additionally, he was named Male Para Athlete of the Year for 2022 by the CPB.

Personal Life

Will is married to Claudinette Santos and they have a daughter named Carolina, born in 2023. He speaks Portuguese fluently and represents the club Caixa Escolar Instituto Benjamin Constant in Rio de Janeiro.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Will aims to win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. His heroes include Brazilian Para judoka Roberto Julian and Brazilian judoka Rafael Silva, who have inspired him throughout his career.

Will's journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for judo. With his eyes set on future achievements, he continues to inspire many in the sports community.