Caio Bonfim: uma medalha muito merecida

Caio Bonfim made history in the early hours of Thursday in Paris by becoming the first Brazilian medalist in Olympic racewalking. A silver medal that has various flavors. One of family due to the fact that the sport was almost hereditary. Another of perseverance, from someone who never stopped believing that he would achieve his dream. And finally, a national flavor, of finally putting the country’s racewalkers on the map in the sport.

Family played a huge role in Caio Bonfim’s achievement. His father, xxxxxx, was a teacher in Sobradinho, a satellite city of Brasília. One of his requirements was athletics education. All this happened back in the 80s, when he discovered Carmem de Oliveira, the first Brazilian woman to win the São Silvestre race. Shortly after, he trained Gianetti Sena, a racewalker. The relationship went beyond coach and athlete. They fell in love, got married, and had a son, Caio.

Gianetti was an eight-time Brazilian champion, even earning a spot to compete in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, but ended up missing out due to last-minute changes in criteria.

Born into the world of sports, Caio Bonfim took a while to start racewalking. The first time his father invited him to racewalk it was memorable. The young boy was mocked. Since one foot must always be in contact with the ground, the athlete ends up with a hip movement similar to a sway. This perception led to a prejudice in people’s minds, causing the young Caio to refuse dedicating himself to the sport for a long time.

It wasn’t until he was 16 that he understood that it didn’t matter what others said on the street. Being mocked or not on the street no longer mattered. Caio told his parents he wanted to be a racewalker and received immediate support.

His mother, Gianetti, became his coach and together they achieved incredible feats. At 21, Caio made his debut in London-2012 with a modest 37th place. In Rio-2016, he narrowly missed the podium, finishing in fourth place.

After that, his international results improved. Caio Bonfim won a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2017 and 2023, but performed poorly in Tokyo, finishing only 13th.

The recognition came in Paris-2024 after an incredible run of results. After placing sixth in the 2022 World Championships, Caio Bonfim won a medal in every competition he entered on the world circuit. He arrived in Paris more than ready and claimed the well-deserved medal.

But Caio Bonfim is not 100% happy. He continues to fight for more respect for the country. Brazil is not yet seen as a powerhouse and is more easily victimized than the powerhouses when it comes to punishments imposed by officials.

In Tokyo-2020, for example, Érica Sena would have won bronze if not for the penalty she received 400m before the finish. In the Olympic relay trials, Caio and Viviane Lyra were leading and had a chance to win the race. However, they were penalized and ended up in fifth place.

Let the story begin to change with the medal won by Caio Bonfim, who may win another one in a few days alongside Viviane Lyra in the relay, which debuts as an event at the Paris Olympics.