Gisele Caetano: Legacy, Resilience, and Leadership in Masters Swimming

Swimming as a Tool for Overcoming Challenges and Dignity

In one of the interview's most moving moments, Gisele revealed that she had faced a very severe depressive episode during the 2020 pandemic. At a point of deep vulnerability, an invitation to a podcast with a friend made her reflect on her history and legacy. The opportunity to compete in the Masters European Championship in Rome, at the Foro Italico – a place she had always dreamed of swimming – was a turning point. Despite doubts and a lack of confidence in her ability to perform again, she won the event, feeling "flying" and "alive again." This experience taught her about the power of sport and community in mental health recovery.

Gisele Caetano emphasizes how masters swimming and open water swimming can be powerful tools for connection and support during difficult times. The training environment, where everyone – from CEO to doctor – is on equal footing, offers a refuge and a source of motivation. She highlights the importance of not abandoning sports during depression, as water can be one of the primary remedies.

With her entrepreneurial spirit, Gisele also highlighted the menstrual swimsuit and bikini bottom project, a collaboration between her brand G. Caetano, Mormaii, and Raia Self technology. This project aims to bring comfort, security, and, above all, dignity to athletes during their menstrual period, combating the taboo and shame that often keep girls and women away from sports.

The Legacy at Esporte Clube Pinheiros and a Unique Methodology

As a coach, Gisele Caetano has led the masters swimming team at Esporte Clube Pinheiros since 2001. She started with just four swimmers and two lanes, building a team that today boasts nearly 300 people, whom she affectionately calls her 'experience group.' Her approach is unique: she transforms training sessions into true 'events,' making everyone feel a sense of belonging and value, from those who have never competed to former high-level athletes.

Her journey at Pinheiros was not without its challenges. Gisele recalled the difficulty of gaining her place as a woman and a Black individual in a traditionally 'German' club, constantly needing to prove her capabilities. Despite the adversities, she remained firm, focused on her passion and the development of her athletes. Her success is evidenced by world champions like Fábio Yamada, whom Gisele brought back to swimming, and other talents like Dalston and Jimmy. The relationship of partnership and recognition with athletes, such as Fábio Yamada taking Gisele to the World Championships in Singapore, demonstrates the strength of this bond.

Gisele's methodology, forged from her own experience as a swimmer, prioritizes the physical integrity of masters athletes, adapting training to the reality of individuals over 30 and 40 years old. She emphasizes building a solid aerobic base, using equipment like parachutes for strength, and an approach that balances intensity with recovery. Her 'magic formula' is based on field research and the creation of personalized protocols, resulting in a very low injury rate within her group.

A Love for Water: A Philosophy of Life

Even with all her dedication as a coach, Gisele Caetano continues swimming and planning future competitions, such as the World Championships in Budapest. Her training routine involves six weekly sessions, swimming an average of 22 to 25 km, focusing on backstroke and strength work. For her, swimming is a lifestyle, an inexhaustible source of energy and purpose.

At the end of the conversation, Gisele left an inspiring message: "Do everything you do with love." She believes that passion and sincerity in one's actions are perceptible and transformative. Gisele Caetano's story is a powerful reminder that sport, when lived with intensity and love, has the power to heal, unite, and build legacies that transcend generations, inspiring everyone to seek their best version, both in and out of the water.