[5] In his hometown of Coimbra, he was a swimmer for the Beatriz Santos Foundation (FBS), the Clube Náutico Académico (CNAC) and União 1919.

[17] Below are listed Ribeiro's sanctioned record times obtained at world, continental and other relevant international competitions.

Diogo Ribeiro lost his father when he was 4 years old and got into the habit, in his own words, "of talking to him a lot at night.

"[23][24] When he was 16, he had a motorbike accident in Coimbra that left him with a broken index finger, part of which he lost, and excruciating pain all over his body.

Before he made a full recovery, he spent a week in hospital and a month in bed at home.