Jenny Parinos on Paralympic Career, XLH, and New Horizons
Paralympic medalist discusses living with XLH, her training routine, and her transition toward triathlon.
In an open conversation, Paralympic table tennis player Jenny Parinos reflects on her journey across three Paralympic Games, living with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), and her new passion for running and triathlon. The interview delves into mental health, the behind-the-scenes reality of elite sports, and her life beyond the table.
A two-time Paralympic medalist with appearances in three editions of the Games, Jenny Parinos has built one of the most distinguished careers in Brazilian table tennis. On the Se Liga Nelas podcast, recorded at Stemma Sports studios, the Santos-born athlete looked back at pivotal moments in her career, the obstacles posed by a rare genetic condition, and her relentless drive to pursue new sporting goals.
First Contact with Table Tennis
Jenny's introduction to table tennis came casually at the age of 12. Having played ping-pong casually in her apartment building and at school with no competitive ambitions, she was encouraged by a neighbor who was already competing professionally and had taken part in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. After visiting a training session at Clube Saldanha da Gama in Santos, the blistering pace of the professional game immediately captured her attention and sparked a desire to develop in the sport.
Diagnosis of X-Linked Hypophosphatemia (XLH)
Jenny's childhood was defined by a search for medical answers after delays in learning to walk and noticeable bowing in her legs. After consulting 19 orthopedic specialists without a clear conclusion, a diagnosis was finally confirmed at Santa Casa de São Paulo: X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), a rare condition that prevents the body from properly absorbing calcium and phosphorus. Her treatment demanded strict discipline, involving dozens of daily pills and growth hormone therapy, all supported by the steadfast determination of her family.
Overcoming Bullying and Finding Community in Para Sports
During her school years, experiences of prejudice and unkind remarks created deep-seated insecurities. The major turning point came when she entered Para sports, where interacting with athletes with diverse physical impairments dismantled her fears and reinforced a positive self-image. Alongside this welcoming community, psychological support played a vital role in helping Jenny rebuild her self-esteem and express herself freely.
Getting into Running and Setting Sights on Triathlon
After years of confining her athletic pursuits to table tennis out of concern over public perception, Jenny decided to break through internal barriers at age 30. Inspired by her husband's fitness routine, she took up running and began to view her weekly training sessions along the beach as an act of bodily autonomy. This new chapter already features plans to incorporate swimming and cycling, with an eye toward competing in future triathlons.
Understanding Functional Classifications in Para Sports
Jenny explains that Para table tennis is organized into 11 functional classes based on the degree of physical or intellectual impairment: classes 1 through 5 are designated for wheelchair athletes, classes 6 through 10 encompass standing athletes, and class 11 is dedicated to athletes with intellectual impairments. Competing in Class 9 due to lower-limb impairment, she points out how classification panels evaluate overall motor function to ensure fair competition.
Technical Growth and the Road to International Competition
Jenny's technical development moved swiftly, yielding notable national results within her first year of training. Her international debut at the Youth Parapan American Games, however, brought an unexpected hurdle: she was temporarily deemed ineligible because classifiers at the time lacked sufficient documentation regarding her condition. Undeterred, she competed on the conventional circuit until receiving her definitive functional classification the following year—an experience that sharpened her game speed and competitive edge.
Journey Through the Paralympic Games: Rio, Tokyo, and Paris
Her Paralympic path began at Rio 2016, where she climbed the podium to claim a team bronze medal in front of an electric home crowd. Heading into the Tokyo 2020 Games (held in 2021), Jenny adapted to pandemic restrictions by training in her living room, subsequently securing her qualification by winning the world qualifying tournament in Slovenia before going on to capture another bronze. At Paris 2024, she made her third consecutive appearance at the world's premier sporting event.
Training Regimen and the Impact of Running on Performance
Based in Santos, the table tennis player maintains an intensive schedule that balances high-volume technical drills, serve-simulation exercises, and daily strength-training sessions in the gym. Integrating running three days a week has delivered direct benefits to her performance at the table, reducing fatigue during long matches and sharpening her reaction time.
Focus on Los Angeles 2028 and Managing Expectations
After the disappointment of missing out on a medal in Paris, Jenny leaned on therapy to maintain perspective and appreciate the accomplishment of ranking among the world's best. With her initial schedule focused on the World Championships, the qualification cycle for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games will gain momentum starting with the Parapan American Games. Her approach for the upcoming cycle centers on match-by-match execution, treating podium finishes as a natural outcome of consistent preparation.
The Role of Mental Health and Pre-Match Rituals
Working with a sports psychologist led Jenny to develop structured focus routines ahead of competitions. On match days, her rituals feature targeted breathing techniques, calming sound frequencies, and essential oils to manage pre-game nerves and maintain tactical clarity right before stepping up to the table.
Future Plans and Career Transition
Mindful of the finite span of elite competitive athletics, Jenny is already laying the groundwork for her post-competition career. She has expanded into digital content creation and motivational speaking, and she envisions launching her own training facility to teach table tennis and introduce children with disabilities to sports. Her timeline for retirement will ultimately be guided by how her body responds physically and technically across future competitive cycles.
Advocating for Access to XLH Treatment
The athlete also highlights recent legal hurdles regarding the continuous provision of high-cost medications through Brazil's public healthcare system (SUS) for adults living with hypophosphatemic rickets. Jenny emphasizes that while the treatment does not reverse established bone curvature, it alleviates debilitating chronic pain and significantly improves quality of life, making it essential for adult patients to maintain day-to-day functionality.
Jenny Away from the Tables
Away from the spotlight and the demands of high-performance sport, Jenny describes herself as a grounded, reflective homebody who treasures downtime with her husband and dogs. A rock music enthusiast with an eye for visual aesthetics, she balances the strict discipline of the court with simple recovery routines for body and mind.
The Stories Behind Her Tattoos
The ink on Jenny's body marks significant milestones from her personal and athletic journey. Her first tattoo—a pair of table tennis rackets—came after winning a bet with her father, who agreed to let her get it if she won every tournament she entered that year. Her tattoos also feature the Paralympic rings commemorating each edition she competed in, along with a flower with bowed legs, representing pride in her journey.
A Message to Young Girls with Disabilities
In closing, Jenny offers encouragement to young girls and women with disabilities who may hesitate to chase their athletic or personal aspirations. She underscores the importance of pursuing goals without waiting for outside validation or being deterred by judgment, reminding them that finding the courage to start is the only way to avoid future regrets.