Sports
Rosecler Costa and Marcelinha: Family & Sports Behind the Scenes
On Se Liga Nelas, the 'Iron Mother' and her daughter reflect on childhood, swimming fundamentals, and the freedom to chart their own paths.
Rosecler Costa and her daughter Marcela Amorim open up about their family life away from the triathlon spotlight. From dawn training sessions to childhood play, Marcelinha shares how she built a healthy relationship with sports without pressure at home.
Far from transition zones and grueling race hours, the daily routine of one of Brazilian triathlon's most recognized families has always been defined by camaraderie and lightness. In an interview on the show Se Liga Nelas, Rosecler Costa, known as the Ironmãe (Iron Mother), and her daughter Marcela Amorim opened up about life at home and reflected on how sports shaped childhood without ever feeling like an obligation.
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The 'Iron Mother's' routine at home
For those who only follow Rosecler on social media and across finish lines, her intense training schedule might suggest a life devoted strictly to workout spreadsheets. Marcela was quick to dispel that notion: during her childhood, her mother often trained in the early dawn hours while the kids were still asleep so she could be fully present during the day. Even exhausted after heavy sessions, Rosecler always made time to skateboard, rollerblade, or paddleboard with her children at the local park.
Marcela's arrival into the world is also remembered with good humor by the family. Rosecler had initially hoped for a boy to honor her late brother Rogério—a name she later gave to her second child. Upon learning she was expecting a girl, Rose joked that she wouldn't bother with fancy hairstyles or pigtails. Coincidentally, her daughter grew up disliking headbands and bows, carving out a practical and decisive personality from an early age.
Swimming as a pillar and life at the pool
In raising their children, Rosecler and her husband, Marcelo, established three clear priorities: academics, English, and sports. Swimming served as the gateway for both kids. With the keen eye of an athlete and coach, Rose quickly spotted Marcela's natural feel and buoyancy in the water. Her mother insisted on a classic endurance principle: swimming is the most technical discipline in triathlon and must be learned consistently in childhood; otherwise, an athlete simply "learns to survive" in the water as an adult.
Despite Marcela frequently asking to run and bike with her mother, the guidance was clear: master the water first. The young athlete progressed rapidly, joined competitive swim teams, and earned a high school scholarship through her athletic performance, managing a demanding routine of up to nine pool sessions a week.
The decision to leave competitive swimming at 15
Although Marcela loved training and spending time with her swimming teammates, the competitive environment eventually lost its appeal. Swimming two hours a day to compete in a ninety-second race grew increasingly frustrating. At age 15, facing burnout from sprint events, starting high school, and knowing she was not aiming for an Olympic career, she decided it was time to step away from competitive swimming.
Fearing her mother's reaction and the loss of her school scholarship, Marcela first confided in her father. However, the support at home was immediate. Rosecler had never pressured her daughter to pursue an athletic career and made sure to relieve any burden or guilt surrounding the decision.
Freedom of choice and family support
Even though outsiders frequently repeated the cliché "like mother, like daughter," Marcela insists outside pressure never affected her. Inside their home, the atmosphere was always one of genuine encouragement rather than demands for podium finishes. Rosecler admits that, as her daughter's triathlon coach today, she remains vigilant about respecting Marcela's personal limits and goals.
Their partnership is further anchored by Marcelo's tireless support. Described by both as a true "saint," her father took on the role of logistical support and official race timekeeper, closely following every step of the family's athletic journey with total dedication.
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