Sports
João Cardoso: Youth Track and Field Development in the US
Bruna Mahn talks with the young prospect and his father about training routines, college scholarships, and their 2032 Olympic goals.
On Stemma Performance, host Bruna Mahn welcomes young distance runner João Cardoso and his father, Thiago. They discuss training routines in the United States, transitioning into high-performance sports, and the realities of developing grassroots athletic talent.
On Stemma Performance, host Bruna Mahn welcomes 13-year-old distance runner João Cardoso and his father, coach Thiago, to discuss athletic development in the United States, high-performance training routines, and future goals in track and field.
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Moving to the US and João's early start in running
Thiago shares the story of the family's move to the United States in late 2015, when João was just two years old. The youngster's first exposure to the sport came in elementary school: to skip the long car pickup line, his parents enrolled him in the morning running club, which started an hour earlier. João quickly began winning local races, such as the traditional Thanksgiving run, showing an early competitive spark.
Athletic structure in American elementary schools
João and Thiago explain how sports work at the US elementary school level. Activities typically take place twice a week, involving laps on grass or recreational track and field stations. Despite the extensive physical infrastructure available, Thiago highlights a shortage of specialized grassroots coaches, leaving many young talents dependent on outside programs to develop.
Transitioning to structured training and multidisciplinary support
Recognizing his son's potential and passion, Thiago gradually structured his training. The plan grew to include a nutritionist, a sports psychologist, and tailored periodization, while always protecting João's free time and childhood. This family-led approach established a professional routine without risking premature burnout.
Training routine, methodology, and daily challenge
João's weekly routine is coached remotely by Edilberto from Brasília, focusing on intensity control with a foundation of easy mileage and high-quality intervals. Alongside his structured workouts, João maintains a personal challenge with his family to run at least 1 km every single day of the year, balanced with scheduled rest and naps to support healthy growth and immune function.
Athlete maturation, Olympic focus, and motivation
The conversation underscores the importance of honoring biological maturation and emotional well-being. With a long-term goal set for the 2032 Olympic Games, the family and coaching team's priority is keeping João motivated and happy, often training alongside club peers to make long runs enjoyable.
Differences between running clubs in Brazil and the US
Thiago analyzes the US running scene, where a self-taught mindset predominates and structured running clubs (assessorias esportivas) like those in Brazil are rare. In response, Next Running Club began by coaching children and is now expanding to parents and adults, educating the local community on the benefits of professional coaching.
US track and field seasons and athlete exchange programs
The American competitive calendar is divided into three distinct seasons: cross country (August to December), indoor track (winter), and outdoor track (spring and summer). Thiago explains how international athletes can compete in events like the Club Nationals in Jacksonville, opening doors for training camps and sports exchanges in Florida.
João's experience competing in Brazil
During a trip to Brazil, João competed in the U16 category against runners up to three years older in 1,000m and 2,000m races. The young athlete reflects on the positive experience of making new friends, experiencing Brazilian track dynamics through the CASO club, and his goal to return annually for national championships.
Nutrition, supplementation, and healthy habits during the school week
To support his training workload and school schedule, João maintains a disciplined diet, preparing meals with rice, eggs, and pasta to avoid ultra-processed cafeteria food. He also uses energy gels for supplementation during workouts and races.
Tackling childhood obesity and embracing a screen-free lifestyle
Thiago shares details about the sports initiative that supported his US residency visa, centered on combating childhood obesity through running. The family enforces strict limits on smartphones and screens until age 14, prioritizing social interaction, quality sleep, balanced nutrition, and inclusive athletic participation for all children.
Personal bests on the track and in cross country
João breaks down his key personal records on the track and in cross country: 2:51 in the 1,000m time trial (and 2:58 in the rain), 2:14 in the 800m, 4:32 in the 1,500m, 4:51 in the mile, 9:44 in the 3,000m track event, 10:35 in the 2-mile cross country race, and 17:16 in the 5K.
Planning and college scholarship opportunities in the US
Thiago offers guidance for families seeking athletic college scholarships in the US, stressing the importance of preparing passports, visas, and English language skills well in advance. He also highlights charitable efforts donating running shoes and gear to support young runners in Brazil.
Coaching standards and the collegiate sports pipeline
Wrapping up the discussion, the coach compares coaching education in the United States and Brazil. Thiago points out that while Brazil produces coaches with strong theoretical qualifications, the US boasts a world-class collegiate sports system that turns young talent into elite international competitors—creating an outstanding pathway for dedicated athletes.
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