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Wheelchair basketball player’s fall in Olympic torch relay sparks controversy

A Brazilian wheelchair basketball player defended himself after questions arose following his fall while carrying the Olympic flame during the Rio torch relay last week.

João Paulo Nascimento fell while attempting a trick to lift one wheel off the ground during his leg of the torch relay. Videos of the accident have more than five million views on Facebook.

Balancing himself with his legs, Nascimento prevented further injury and helped himself back into the chair, but also sparked social media debate about the seriousness of his condition.

Nascimento posted a Facebook video explaining his condition, that he does need a wheelchair at all times for his knee condition, genu valgum, or knock knees, according to O Globo.