Sports
Viça Saraiva Reflects on His Career and Triathlon Beginnings
Known as the Showman of Triathlon, the athlete details his transition from basketball to multisport in Brasília.
With 35 years dedicated to triathlon and a recent return to the professional ranks at age 48, Viça Saraiva shares how youth basketball frustration paved the way for a lifetime in endurance sports.
With over three decades of history in Brazilian endurance sports, Viça Saraiva has built a unique career marked by longevity, major titles, and a commanding presence on the sports scene. On Café com Tri, the athlete sat down with Beto Nitrini, Sérgio Magalhães, and Wagner Spadotto to talk about the origins of his connection to the sport and what it means to dedicate most of his life to triathlon.
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From the basketball court to his first race on a mountain bike
Before diving headfirst into swimming, cycling, and running, Viça played basketball as a teenager. The turning point came at age 13 following a frustrating experience in team sports. Called up to play in a South American tournament with the youth national team, he was put on the court for just four seconds against Argentina without ever touching the ball.
Shortly after, a school triathlon in Brasília caught his eye. Despite finishing in last place in his debut while racing on a mountain bike, the challenge ignited his passion for the multisport format. From that moment on, the individual discipline became his primary path for personal and athletic growth.
Longevity and returning to the pro triathlon ranks at 48
Over the course of 35 years on the circuit, Viça has racked up standout performances in both national and international events, including the Troféu Brasil, the overall amateur title at Ironman Brazil in 2019, and the overall victory at Ironman Maryland in 2022. Now, at 48 years old, the athlete is writing another chapter in his journey by returning to the professional category as one of the longest-competing athletes in the field.
For Viça, sports go far beyond performance or physical fitness. Triathlon has served as the main tool for shaping his character, building lasting relationships, and cementing the resilient mindset he carries both in and out of competition.
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