The Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) has inducted four new members of its Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. Athletes who "have marked the history of national sport and are examples of Olympic values for new generations ». Among them, the tennis player Gustavo Kuerten and his unforgettable smile, who had conquered Paris by winning Roland-Garros three times.
Judoka Edinanci Silva, who represented the nation auriverde in Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, as well as gymnast Daiane dos Santos (three participations in the Olympic Games), were at his side. Afrânio Costa (sport shooting) was also honored posthumously. He died in 1979, having been one of the first Olympic medalists in the history of Brazil in Antwerp in 1920. These four athletes were chosen in 2024 and approved by the Evaluation Committee.
"If we want that Brazil be a sporting nation and one day become an Olympic power, we cannot erase our history. It is the one that shows us the path to victory and is made up of the exploits of our idols, our Olympic heroes.", said Marco La Porta, president of the COB. Created in 2018, the Brazilian Hall of Fame now has 39 personalities.
