Sports
Track and Field: Miguel Santos and the Importance of a Strong Foundation
Marilson and Juliana Santos share insights on their son Miguel's athletic journey at NB42K Porto Alegre.
In an exclusive conversation during the NB42K Porto Alegre coverage, track and field legends Marilson and Juliana Santos, alongside their son Miguel, discuss the challenges and benefits of youth sports. They highlight the importance of a strong track foundation for developing young athletes. The Santos family also touches on Miguel's transition to track and field and how the sport shapes both the athlete and the individual.
The Stemma Sports studio at NB42K Porto Alegre hosted a family that lives and breathes track and field: Marilson Santos, Juliana Santos, and their son Miguel Santos. In a relaxed chat with host Fabio Bessa, they delved into topics like youth sports initiation, the importance of track work in an athlete's development, and how to balance high performance with a child's growth.
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Miguel's Journey: Passion and Development in Track and Field
Miguel's story in sports reflects his parents' dedication to providing an enjoyable environment free from excessive pressure. Marilson recalled his own amateur beginnings and Juliana's more structured path, emphasizing that the key is to offer children the opportunity. Miguel, who was involved in sports from a very young age, tried various disciplines before track and field became his true passion.
“Our intention wasn't for him to become a high-performance athlete, but rather for him to gain the benefits that the sport can offer any child,” Marilson explains. At 15, Miguel already demonstrates discipline and promising results, having been a São Paulo state champion and Brazilian school vice-champion in 2023. However, the family's focus remains on him enjoying the process and building a solid foundation.
Track Versus Road: The Athlete's Foundation
One of the highlights of the conversation was the analysis of the importance of track training in a runner's development. Marilson and Juliana, both with brilliant careers that included time on the track, argue that this discipline is an essential tool for building an athlete.
“The track is a very important tool for an athlete's development, where they can improve their coordination, strength levels, and running mechanics,” Marilson emphasizes. He points out that great names like Eliud Kipchoge, Haile Gebrselassie, and Kenenisa Bekele built their foundations in track events before transitioning to marathons. While acknowledging a trend of young African athletes pursuing long distances prematurely, perhaps due to economic factors, the Santos family questions the athletic longevity of these runners without robust track training.
Juliana endorses this view, reinforcing that her own experience in shorter track events (400m, 800m, 1,500m) was crucial for her later performance. “I myself am proof of how much of a difference this made in my career… we know how important this foundation is,” she states.
Miguel's Calendar and Future Vision
Miguel, who has already trained on the tracks of Porto Alegre, has a packed schedule for the year, with important competitions such as the São Paulo Trophy in Araraquara, the São Paulo School Games, and, if qualified, the Youth Games in Foz do Iguaçu, in addition to the Paulista State and Brazilian Championships. Currently, he competes in the 400m and 800m events, respecting the age restrictions imposed by World Athletics, which aim for appropriate and healthy development.
The Santos family emphasizes that competition is for life, and the lessons learned in sports extend far beyond the track. Responsibility, discipline, and the ability to handle pressure are valuable teachings that Miguel carries into all aspects of his life, building not just an athlete, but an individual prepared for challenges.
Miguel's journey, guided by the experience and wisdom of his Olympian parents, is an inspiring example of how sport, when approached with passion and purpose, can be a powerful catalyst for personal and athletic growth, ensuring a solid foundation for the future.
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