Sports
Vico Saraiva on Skipping 70.3 São Paulo and Longevity
With 35 years in triathlon, the veteran athlete details his foot injury recovery, adapted training routine, and final career plans.
Despite registering for Ironman 70.3 São Paulo, Vico Saraiva chose not to start to allow a foot fracture to heal completely. In an interview, the veteran triathlete reflected on resilience, modified workouts, and the final stretch of his professional career.
Present at the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 São Paulo event village, Vico Saraiva did not line up at the start. The pro triathlete, who has dedicated 35 years to the sport, explained that the decision was made jointly with his medical team after recent imaging showed that his healing foot fracture still required caution.
The injury occurred roughly seven weeks before the event, caused by a sprain that had already sidelined him from Ironman 70.3 Rio de Janeiro. His initial plan was to complete at least the swim and bike legs in São Paulo, but an X-ray taken two days before the race showed bone healing was not yet complete. Prioritizing a full recovery for upcoming events like Aracaju, Vico chose to follow medical guidance and protect his body.
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Pain management and maturity after 35 years in the sport
The decision to step back reflects a mindset built across decades of elite competition. Vico emphasized that athletic longevity demands accountability and that navigating physical limitations is simply part of the game. He noted plans to undergo hand surgeries at the close of the season and complete rehabilitation to prepare for what should be his final year as a pro.
The athlete also shared his perspective on coping with physical setbacks and personal losses over the past year. In his view, dealing with pain—whether physical or emotional—requires moving through the process and practicing conscious acceptance so discomfort does not turn into prolonged suffering. According to Vico, sport remains his primary vehicle for personal growth, far outweighing trophies or race times.
Water volume and indoor cycling to maintain fitness
Even with running off the table due to the fracture, his preparation never halted completely. The strategy focused on whatever could be done without impact. In August, Vico increased his pool volume to 100 km for the month—well above his typical 70 to 75 km average—using only a pull buoy, neoprene shorts, and one-legged flip turns without kicking.
To log cycling miles without outdoor risks, the triathlete bought a trainer to ride indoors at home. While he finds indoor cycling mentally demanding, he used the sessions to sharpen his focus and discipline during a period of physical restrictions.
Analyzing Ironman 70.3 São Paulo
When breaking down the men's pro race in São Paulo, Vico highlighted the depth of the Brazilian start list and shifting weather conditions as pivotal factors. Among the contenders, he drew attention to the rise of athletes transitioning from Olympic-distance racing, citing the speed of competitors like Joãozinho alongside top international talent like Luciano Taccone.
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