Yago Alves' Journey: From Age 7 to Training in Portugal

Yago Alves’ relationship with sports started early. Born in São Paulo and raised in Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina, the triathlete grew up surrounded by local competitions broadcast on television and enlivening the coastline. Swimming since his first year of life with his family's encouragement, he made his triathlon debut at age 7 in the Desafio dos Pinguins, held in the middle of July at Cabeçudas Beach in Itajaí. Without cycling shoes or a wetsuit, he braved the freezing sea and dismounted his bicycle just to navigate the course's sharp turnaround points.

That early exposure to the sea established the foundation for his comfort in the water, but the path to the elite ranks demanded patience. Never hailed as a prodigy nor collecting effortless victories in youth and junior categories, Yago built his progress through the consistency of daily training. Toward the end of high school, his routine grew rigorous: to balance academics and athletics under the guidance of CPH, he woke up before dawn to ride on the highway at 5:00 a.m.—escorted by his father's car—or hit the pool at 6:00 a.m. before the school bell rang.

International Immersion in Rio Maior

Right after finishing high school in late 2015, an opportunity arose that cemented his decision to pursue triathlon professionally: joining the training center in Rio Maior, Portugal—a hub gathering Brazilian national team athletes and international competitors under head coach Sérgio Santos. His parents had only one prerequisite before departure: completing high school.

During eight months in Portugal, Yago trained alongside seasoned athletes like Pâmela Oliveira, Vittoria Lopes, Danilo Pimentel, and Diogo Sclebin, who was in the midst of his Olympic preparation. The professional routine abroad and the caliber of European racing served as a genuine reality check, proving vital for his transition from the junior category to U23 upon his return to Brazil in late 2016.