Sports
Pâmella Oliveira: The 'Last Dance' at Ironman Brazil
The four-time champion shares the emotional behind-the-scenes of her farewell from full Ironman racing and her perspective on the event.
In an exclusive interview with Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura of Stemma Sports, Pâmella Oliveira reveals the mental and physical challenges that led her to decide on her 'last dance' at Ironman Brazil. She discusses her preparation, the impact of her decision, and her expectations for the race. This offers an intimate look into a champion's journey.
The Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman Brazil was the stage for a historic moment in national triathlon, marking the farewell of one of its greatest legends: Pâmella Oliveira. In conversation with Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura from Stemma Sports, the four-time champion opened her heart about her decision to make this her "last dance" in full Ironman races, the challenges of preparation, and the emotions of competing in one of the sport's most demanding events.
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The Courage to Call it Quits
The decision to end her full Ironman journey was not made overnight. Pâmella describes her preparation for this year as "turbulent", marked by illness and significant mental fatigue. This burden, accumulated throughout a professional career that began very early, led her to a turning point. "I was a professional athlete from a very young age. I've been living this life for a long time, so, certainly, this isn't something new or from just a few years ago. It's truly a burden that has been building up over many, many years," she explains.
For Pâmella, the need to "put an end to it" wasn't just an announcement to the public, but primarily a personal symbol of transition. She wanted to enjoy the race differently, with a lighter spirit, focusing on sensations and emotions, free from the pressure of perfectionism that had always accompanied her. The athlete reveals she can't "just participate for fun," and the constant demand for excellence was becoming detrimental to her mental health. "I couldn't just come to participate," she states, emphasizing the importance of not waiting for complete exhaustion to make such a decision.
Preparation and Expectations for the Farewell
Even with the decision to conclude, Pâmella Oliveira didn't reduce her focus. She admits she didn't feel as strong in swimming and cycling but highlights that her running was "quite good". The hope was to achieve her best run at an Ironman Brazil during her farewell. For her, the race would be more about feelings and sensations than numbers, leveraging her vast experience of many years.
Regarding the Ironman Brazil start list, Pâmella expressed great satisfaction. "I think this was the start list I've been waiting for all these years," she says, happy to see more women, especially international ones, competing. The presence of a strong field of athletes makes the race more dynamic and interesting, both for competitors and the public.
In the days leading up to the race, Pâmella maintains a focused routine but without excessive tension. She trains lightly, focusing on swimming and stretching, and does a small activation the day before, "to remind the body that it needs to swim, cycle, and run, but everything is quick and not too much."
Legacy and Advice for the New Generation
When asked about unfulfilled dreams in triathlon, Pâmella expresses a deep sense of accomplishment. Having transitioned from swimming to triathlon and achieved Olympic and Pan American Games participation, she considers everything that came after as "profit" and "overtime," including competing in Kona. Only a few races like Roth or Texas were left out due to prioritizing Ironman Brazil.
For those starting in triathlon, her advice is clear: "Start with a super sprint." She emphasizes the importance of gradually progressing, enjoying each stage and achievement. "This idea of wanting to go straight to the highest level, like an Ironman, is very difficult because many people sometimes start with an Ironman and then quit and never do anything again," she warns, encouraging people to enjoy the sport as a hobby, taking it calmly, given the wide range of available races.
The interview concludes with a touch of humor, with Pâmella revealing that her song for the "little dance" at the finish line would be a "youngsters' dance," something in the TikTok style, showing her lightness and joy even in such a significant moment.
Pâmella Oliveira's journey is a testament to dedication and passion. Her decision to bid farewell to full Ironman racing reflects the maturity of an athlete who knows when to redefine priorities, inspiring not only through her performance but also through her authenticity and courage in seeking happiness beyond the tracks and podiums.
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