Marleide Sales da Silva, a 52-year-old parathlete, experienced a traumatic moment during a street race in Manaus, which was held to honor International Women’s Day on March 8. While competing, she was struck by a vehicle driven by an intoxicated driver, leaving her with a fractured collarbone. Despite the severity of the incident, Marleide reflected on her experience with a sense of gratitude, stating that she feels like a 'miracle' for having survived the collision.

The accident occurred at a busy intersection known for its traffic, specifically at the junction of Avenida João Valério and Avenida Maceió in the Adrianópolis neighborhood. Marleide was following the race course, which was marked and monitored by traffic agents who had signaled for the vehicle to stop. Tragically, the driver ignored the warnings and veered into the race path, resulting in the collision that could have been fatal. Her survival and resilience have drawn attention to safety concerns during public events, especially when participants are at risk from negligent driving.

In an interview with Rede Amazônica after the incident, Marleide recounted her memories of the race, expressing joy before the accident as she began the race ahead of other competitors. She had previously won a gold medal in the PCD category at the 2025 São Silvestre, highlighting her achievements and dedication as a parathlete. This incident not only emphasizes the importance of road safety for athletes but also showcases Marleide's inspiring determination to continue advocating for herself and others in similar situations, underscoring a message of perseverance and hope amidst adversity.