Sports
Paulo Paula: A Champion's Lessons at NB 42k Porto Alegre
The legendary marathoner shares wisdom on performance, health, and the future of Brazilian athletics.
In an exclusive interview at the NB 42k Porto Alegre studio, Paulo Paula, champion of the inaugural edition, discusses his preparation and 2023 race withdrawal. He emphasizes the importance of health in sports and finding joy in running. The athlete also reflects on his legacy and the new generation of Brazilian marathon runners.
The live broadcast of the NB 42k Porto Alegre 2026 at the Stemma Sports studio welcomed a legendary figure of Brazilian athletics: Paulo Paula. Interviewed by hosts Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura, the champion of the first edition shared valuable insights into his career, the race, and the future of sports in Brazil.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
The Emotion of Victory and the Lesson of Withdrawal
Paulo Paula emotionally recalled his victory in the inaugural NB 42k Porto Alegre, where he claimed the title with a time of 2:13:11. For him, running and winning at home in Brazil, after participating in the Rio Olympic Games and competing mostly abroad, was a unique and gratifying moment. The support and affection of the Porto Alegre crowd, who cheered him throughout the course, made the experience even more memorable.
However, the athlete did not hesitate to discuss the challenge of his second participation in 2023, when a hamstring injury forced him to withdraw from the race. With the experience of someone who has lived through many different situations in sports, Paulo Paula explained the difficult, yet wise, decision not to push his body. He emphasizes that his longevity as an athlete, which has kept him competitive for so many years, is the result of rigorous attention to health and mind. "If you withdraw from a race when you are limited and at risk of serious injury, you are a hero," he states, highlighting that quality of life and the practice of a healthy sport should always be priorities, even for high-performance athletes. He refuses to be a "crazy hero" who pays a high price later.
Preparing at 47: Wisdom and Respect for Limits
Asked about his preparation for the current NB 42k Porto Alegre edition, Paulo Paula revealed an intense seven-month training period in Campos do Jordão. During this time, he participated in several half marathons, strategically planned to gain competition rhythm. At 47, his approach is significantly different from his youth. He no longer runs with the same "madness" as before, but rather with experience, wisdom, and, above all, respect for his body's limits.
Paulo Paula reinforces his identity as a pure marathon runner, focusing on the distance he masters and where he feels strongest. His goal now is to "be happy" in each race, freeing himself from the excessive pressure for results that accompanied him in the past. His strategy for the race is to let the pace build organically, without rushing, and advance as the race unfolds. He aims to surprise, dedicating himself completely to the challenge and showing that age, combined with experience, can yield admirable performances.
Kipchoge's Legacy and the Future of National Athletics
The conversation also touched upon world athletics icons. Paulo Paula expressed profound admiration for Eliud Kipchoge, not only for his unparalleled achievements but, primarily, for his humility and simplicity in dealing with people and the public. For him, Kipchoge, alongside Ayrton Senna, represents the ideal of a "champion inside and out" – someone who inspires and demonstrates gratitude. The Brazilian marathoner laments the imminent end of Kipchoge's career, predicting it will be difficult to find someone with the same demeanor and charisma to replace him.
Regarding the new generation of Brazilian marathoners, Paulo Paula expressed support and genuine concern for the continuity of the legacy. He cited names like Jonas and Fábio, the latter making his marathon debut. Paulo's advice for Fábio is clear: seek Jonas's experience and run as a team. He believes that collaboration between the two can be fundamental for Fábio to achieve a great mark, utilizing Jonas's foundation and pace. Paulo's greatest motivation is to see new talents emerging and representing Brazil in international competitions, ensuring that the sport, which was the beginning of everything in athletics, remains alive and strong in the country. His message is an appeal for the new generations to take on the responsibility of carrying forward the history of Brazilian athletics.
Paulo Paula's presence at the NB 42k Porto Alegre, with his story of dedication, overcoming challenges, and passion for the sport, continues to inspire amateur and professional athletes, reinforcing the values of health, persistence, and the importance of a lasting legacy in athletics.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
