Michel Bogli: From Ultra-Endurance Athlete to Endorfina Host
Discover the journey of a Brazilian sports icon, from tracks and trails to the microphone of the podcast that inspires thousands.
In this episode of 'Na Roda do Stemma,' Gisele Gasparotto interviews Michel Bogli, former elite athlete and creator of the Endorfina podcast. Michel shares his rich trajectory, lessons learned from extreme events like the Race Across America, and the philosophy behind his work of storytelling in sports.
On the podcast "Na Roda do Stemma," host Gisele Gasparotto welcomes Michel Bogli, a significant figure in the Brazilian sports scene. Known for his podcast "Endorfina," where he has interviewed athletes and personalities for almost a decade, Michel reveals in this chat his own impressive journey as a high-performance athlete, from water polo to ultra-endurance cycling.
A Life Dedicated to Sport
From a young age, Michel Bogli's energy propelled him into sports. He started in water polo, a discipline that taught him about discipline and physical conditioning at Clube Pinheiros. At 18, he discovered triathlon through a poster, a smooth transition as his passion for cycling stemmed from childhood. This change led to significant results, including joining the Brazilian Triathlon Team and competing in various national and international events.
Michel dedicated himself 100% to triathlon for years, balancing it with family support. He even participated in two Ironman events in Kona, Hawaii. However, he realized his passion began to wane when the responsibility of representing brands became a burden and the 'butterflies in his stomach' before competitions disappeared. It was at this point that adventure races emerged as a new fascination, allowing him to explore different disciplines and terrains.
Lessons from the Race Across America (RAAM)
Among his most notable feats is his participation in five editions of the Race Across America (RAAM), the legendary ultra-endurance race that crosses the United States. Michel participated in quartets, as part of a duo, and as a team leader, and his experience in 2001, when his duo won and broke the category record, is a milestone. He emphasizes that while physical preparation is crucial, mentality and unwavering willpower are the true differentiators in RAAM.
The RAAM exposes athletes to unthinkable challenges: sleep deprivation, intense pain (neck, chafing, swollen hands), and the need to improvise solutions, such as cutting shoes or cycling with excruciating pain. Michel underlines the importance of knowing that it "will pass," even during moments of self-inflicted suffering. He also compares RAAM to the experience of professional cyclists like Mauro Ribeiro, who faced unexpected difficulties because they weren't prepared for the unique nature of the race. His current view on a solo participation is pragmatic: "it's easier for me to win the Mega Sena than to ever start solo," reflecting the level of dedication and risk involved.
Sport, Life, and the 'Butterflies'
Michel's athletic experience taught him about resilience and the importance of authenticity. He reflects that people should discern their own limits, not just physical but also emotional, so that sport doesn't compromise other aspects of life. For amateur athletes, sport should be a source of pleasure and well-being, and the obsession with overcoming challenges isn't always healthy. The 'will' to continue is essential, but knowing when to stop, as he did in some races, is a sign of awareness and maturity.
Michel emphasizes that "if the sport leaves you for some reason, the important thing is that the sport doesn't leave you." His current routine of daily training in various disciplines (swimming, cycling, strength training) reflects this philosophy: training to finish well and healthy, without the pressure of intense competition. He even plans to do a triathlon at 60, for his daughters who have never seen him compete.
'Endorfina': A Platform for Stories
The podcast "Endorfina" was born from Michel's desire to create a program about sports and music, inspired by old radio interviews. Without music, due to copyright issues, the focus shifted to athletes' stories. Launched in 2017, initially covering the history of triathlon and its idols like Fernanda Keller, "Endorfina" quickly expanded its scope to all endurance disciplines.
With over 500 episodes and nearly 9 years on air, the mantra of "Endorfina" is clear: "You don't need to be a champion of anything; you need to have a cool story, and sport must hold significance in it." Michel is proud to give a voice to people from diverse backgrounds, including para-athletes and amateurs, always seeking diversity of stories and perspectives. For him, the podcast is a "school" and a "lesson in humility and acceptance," where curiosity and tolerance are fundamental to understanding others' realities.
Respect and Perspective in the Sports Community
Michel Bogli reflects on how he tries to age with wisdom, avoiding the "old-man's mentality" of judging new generations and their approaches to sport. He observes changes in cycling culture, for example, and, although he doesn't always agree, he practices respect and tolerance. His own "combative" past in cycling led him to a more peaceful stance, prioritizing safety and well-being.
He shares a common dilemma in cycling: the hesitation to offer help to cyclists with flat tires, especially women, to avoid misinterpretation. However, Gisele encourages him, reinforcing that female autonomy does not preclude accepting assistance. Michel maintains a constant fear of serious traffic accidents, which leads him to prioritize safer environments, such as bike paths and mountain bike trails, a discipline he considers "much cooler" due to the fun and lower risk compared to roads.
Michel Bogli's journey is a testament to an enduring passion for sport, resilience forged in extreme challenges, and personal evolution through listening and understanding. His ability to reinvent himself, from elite athlete to inspiring "Endorfina" host, shows that true legacy lies not just in achievements, but in the stories we share and the lessons we learn along the way. This journey reminds us that, regardless of intensity or discipline, sport is a mirror reflecting who we are and who we can become.