A powerful RTP documentary tells the inspiring story of Pedro and Miguel Ferreira Pinto, two brothers who live by the motto: “In life, there are no limits—only barriers.” One of them lives with cerebral palsy. Together, they take on IronMan—the toughest triathlon on the planet.
Supported by Hospital da Luz, their project Iron Brothers is more than a physical challenge—it’s a movement. It’s about raising awareness for people with cerebral palsy and raising funds for Lisbon’s Cerebral Palsy Association (APCL).
“We always did everything together—same clothes, same routines,” Miguel recalls. “I knew Pedro was different, but it never felt that way. We were just brothers—close, protective, inseparable.”
It was about two years ago when they first heard about the IronMan: 3.8km of open-water swimming, 180km cycling, and a full 42.2km marathon. Instead of stepping back, they saw an opportunity. Pedro had a dream to help APCL, his second home. For once, he wanted to be the one offering help—not just receiving it.
Miguel, already training in CrossFit, didn’t hesitate. For every step, stroke, and push in the race, Miguel carries Pedro: towing him in a canoe, riding a bike built for two, and pushing him in a custom wheelchair. In training, they launched a campaign where supporters donated €1 per kilometre completed, raising money for critical APCL resources—wheelchairs, hygiene cranes, even a specially adapted van.
In 2019, with help from Hospital da Luz Lisboa, they completed the IronMan 70.3 in Cascais.
Miguel says, “If people like Pedro are given the right support, they can express the most basic needs—like needing food or a toilet. It’s not about miracles, it’s about access.”
Their movement has inspired families across Portugal, bringing people together to believe in possibility—and to fight for better conditions for those with cerebral palsy.
“We’ve become better people because of Pedro,” Miguel adds. “He reminds us that joy doesn’t come from doing what everyone else does, but from family, from purpose, and from small victories.”
