While leading the marathon after 35 km (22 mi) at the 2004 Summer Olympics, he was attacked on the course by Irish former priest Cornelius "Neil" Horan.

Soon after the 35 km (22 mi) mark, holding a lead of around 25 seconds, Lima was halted and grappled with by spectator Neil Horan, an Irish priest who was later defrocked.

"[5] Lima lost about 5–10 seconds in the incident, and he was passed by Italian Stefano Baldini (2:10:55) and American Meb Keflezighi (2:11:29) later at the 38 km (24 mi) mark.

[5] At the closing of the event, the International Olympic Committee awarded Lima the Pierre de Coubertin Medal for the spirit of sportsmanship.

The medal was officially presented to Lima on 7 December in Rio de Janeiro, during a formal ceremony organized on a yearly basis by the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) during the Prêmio Brasil Olímpico.

Lima was also named Brazilian Athlete of the Year in 2004, receiving the trophy presented by the COB at the same time as the Pierre de Coubertin Medal.

Lima attempted to defend his title at the 2007 Pan American Games, but dropped out with muscular problems at the 37-kilometer mark.