Sports
WTRI: From Club to National Swimming and Triathlon Benchmark
Waldir Santos unveils the success story of a sports hub that transformed Represa Billings into a center of excellence.
Discover the story of WTRI, the training center in São Bernardo do Campo that became a crucial hub for triathletes and open water swimmers. Waldir Santos shares the challenges, expansion, and future plans, including a social project and organizing major sports events. It stands as a model of entrepreneurship and passion for sports.
In episode #32 of Natação Stemma, hosts Samir Barel and Wanderley Santos welcome Waldir Santos, founder of WTRI. Located in São Bernardo do Campo, WTRI has evolved from a training space into a true community and reference center for triathletes and open water swimmers. Waldir shares his journey, from humble beginnings to ambitious future projects, highlighting the passion and care behind every step.
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The Rise of WTRI: From an Idea to a National Sports Hub
Waldir Santos's journey into the sports world began with swimming, influenced by his son, Mateus Santos, a São Paulo state and Brazilian champion. Waldir, who even helped hydrate his son during 10 km races, discovered triathlon between 2009 and 2010. The embryo of WTRI emerged at Clube dos Borracheiros, where he worked with his father.
At the invitation of Marcelo Ortiz, Waldir began offering support for triathlon training at the reservoir, using his own kayak. What started as a rudimentary service – a simple buoy to mark the turn – quickly gained popularity. Faced with growing demand from various coaching services, the space at Clube dos Borracheiros became insufficient.
In 2015, WTRI moved to a larger location, across from the old club, a former recreational space with a 33-meter pool. This transition marked a turning point, allowing WTRI to host a significantly larger number of athletes – from less than 100 to 260 in its first simulation at the new site, one week before the Santos Ironman. Today, WTRI has over 5,000 registered athletes and has even hosted 450 people training in the water on a single day.
Water Safety and the Truth About Represa Billings
Safety is a fundamental pillar of WTRI. Waldir Santos recounts a crucial incident: an athlete suffered cramps alone in the reservoir. After this event, he implemented a strict policy of "no support, no swim." Currently, WTRI ensures athlete safety with a robust team, including 8 to 12 support kayaks, a motorboat, and even firefighters present every weekend.
The location operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, with swimming from 7 AM to 11 AM. Parking remains open until 5 PM, allowing triathletes and runners to complement their land-based training.
Often asked about the water quality of Represa Billings, Waldir is emphatic: WTRI's spot is the cleanest in the reservoir. He cites research by a Rede Globo journalist and oxygenation analyses indicating excellent levels (between 8.5 and 9). News about fish mortality, for example, refers to isolated regions like Estoril, not WTRI's training location, which is influenced by a sluice gate that directs water towards Cubatão and Baixada Santista, keeping the water clean in the São Bernardo area. The water access ramp is well-marked, with lanes and mats, providing a safe and organized environment.
Expansion and Social Impact: The Future of WTRI
Waldir's vision is to transform WTRI into a complete training center. Plans include renovating the 33-meter pool for clinics and training, and constructing an athletics track on the adjacent land, without compromising parking.
One of the most ambitious projects is the creation of the NGO "Talentos do Triatlo" (Triathlon Talents), already approved by the Federal Government via the Lei de Incentivo ao Esporte. The initiative aims to serve the local community with swimming and triathlon classes, using the pool during the week and, subsequently, the reservoir for more advanced students. The search for sponsoring companies is continuous to make this social project viable.
Beyond being a training center, WTRI has established itself as a venue for major sports events. It hosts triathlon races like the Tri Day (which ran from 2016 to 2019) and currently the Tubig, with short, Olympic, and, starting this year, even half-Iron distances. Open water competitions such as the FNG crossing and the SP Swim are also held there. Road safety for cycling is a highlight, with a "stop-and-go" system implemented in partnership with the city hall and the DR, ensuring athlete protection.
Resilience and Inspiration: Waldir's Personal Journey
In 2024, Waldir Santos faced a major personal challenge. After a race, exams revealed severe compromise of three arteries (80%, 70%, and 90%), requiring revascularization surgery. Despite the scare and fear, he decided to proceed with hospital treatment, motivated by the chance of recovery.
With medical clearance and the support of coach Lucas da Lobo, Waldir resumed training and has already returned to competition, including long-distance races in Panama and the Santos Ironman, which was his first race after surgery. His story is a testament to resilience and the importance of an active life, even in the face of adversity. "I thanked God very much for the second chance he gave me in life," Waldir states.
Waldir Santos's WTRI is more than a training center; it's a catalyst for dreams and an example of purposeful entrepreneurship. With an unwavering focus on safety, infrastructure expansion, and social impact through the "Talentos do Triatlo" (Triathlon Talents) project, WTRI continues to strengthen the athletic community and make Represa Billings a setting for achievements and triumphs. It's a legacy of dedication and passion that benefits thousands of athletes in Brazil.
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