Julia Azevedo, a 28-year-old basketball player, narrowly escaped death during a robbery attempt in Rio De Janeiro on 23/11. While in a car with her father, a robber shot her in the back. The bullet missed her spine by just 1 mm, averting what could have been a fatal or paralyzing injury.

The bullet's trajectory was critical: it passed 1 mm from her spine and 1 cm from her bladder, yet it did not penetrate any internal organs. Doctors confirmed that had the bullet struck her spine, Julia would have faced paralysis at minimum, or even death.

Julia played for 14 years in Brazil and abroad. *Photo: Instagram*

Following her surgery, Julia shared her relief on Instagram, stating, "I have been reborn. The story could have been very different. I need a short break to recover. I will be fine and come back strong". Her father, Marcos, also had a close call, narrowly avoiding a shot to the head. Despite the traumatic event, he remained calm and drove his daughter directly to the hospital.

Marcos expressed his profound gratitude, writing, "Thank God our family can still be together. What we went through was crazy. Witnessing my child being shot, taking her to the hospital, praying, being with her during the emergency, and seeing the doctors' confusion about the bullet's trajectory made me extremely heartbroken. I am grateful to the doctors and police for their kindness and dedicated care".

Julia began her professional basketball career at Tijuca Club in Brazil in 2011. The 28-year-old athlete later played for 8 different clubs across the US and Europe. In 2025, she returned to play for Tijuca, the club where her father serves as vice president.

By Thanh Quy (Source: Sun, Instagram)