Brazilian Olympic swimmer Glauber Silva recently shined at the XIII South American Masters Swimming Championship, winning three gold medals and setting two new records. In an exclusive interview, he shared his journey of intense preparation and feelings of gratitude for the results achieved. In addition to being recognized as the athlete with the best technical index in the competition, Glauber is preparing for his next challenge in Portugal and maintains his position among the best in the world in the historical swimming rankings. With a disciplined training routine and care for his physical and mental health, he faced personal challenges with resilience, finding in sport a source of overcoming and inspiration. Glauber Silva continues to be not only an outstanding athlete, but also an example of determination and success for other up-and-coming athletes.
Congratulations on your recent achievements in the XIII South American Masters Swimming Championship! How do you feel after winning three gold medals and setting two new records?
The competition was crucial, especially considering the planning we had done. I was preparing intensely every week before going to Portugal, which was my main competition of the year. The results greatly exceeded our expectations, especially with two South American records. Swimming in a world-class pool was incredible, as it’s hard to find facilities like that around here. The hard work really paid off.
Could you share a little about your preparation for the championship in Lima, Peru, and what the experience was like competing there?
Preparation throughout the year followed the plan established for the competition that took place in December, in Europe. It was high-level training, as I like to say. I had the opportunity to compete in an incredible water park, which hosted the Pan American Games, and the pool was up to par with the main international competitions. It was really luxury training aimed at the final competition of the year, which was my main objective.
I believe that every athlete wants to be recognized for the hard work they do, and it’s no different for me. With a 23-year career, each recognition throughout this process is significant. Having achieved the best male technical index and the best technical index in the competition was extremely gratifying for me. I was very honored, as I did not expect to achieve this level of performance given the conditions of the competition.
Being recognized as the athlete with the best technical index in the competition by CONSANAT is a great honor. How did you receive this news and how important is this recognition for you?
I believe that every athlete wants to be recognized for the hard work they do, and it’s no different for me. With a 23-year career, each recognition throughout this process is significant. Having achieved the best male technical index and the best technical index in the competition was extremely gratifying for me. I was very honored as I really didn’t expect to achieve this level of performance given the standard of the competition.
You already have your next challenge scheduled in Portugal for next month. How are you preparing for this championship and what are your expectations?
So, in April I have a crucial competition in Portugal, which is one of the Olympic trials. Before that, in the preparation schedule, I have some competitions here in Brazil. It is a process of evaluating short-term results, so the objective is to swim well in each competition to evaluate how your training is going until you reach the main event in Portugal.
It’s impressive to see that you are among the best in the world in the historical swimming rankings. What is it like for you to be part of the Top 50 in history?
I have been in the world rankings in the history of the 50 meter butterfly for a few years now. With each passing year, it is gratifying to remain among the 50 best in the world. I hope this year is no different. The 2024 world rankings haven’t been released yet, but the time I achieved was very good and continues to place me among the best in the world.
You mentioned that you have been in the world rankings since your participation in the last Olympics in 2012. How do you see your evolution over these years and what does this represent for your career?
This ranking goes back to the 2010 world championships, where I won the bronze medal in Dubai. It has been 13 years since then, and I have remained in the top 50 in the world in that time. I hope to continue for a long time, as it is incredibly rewarding to be among the best in a race for more than a decade. It is an achievement that fills me with honor and pride in my sporting career.
In addition to competitions, you also have an important role as an example and inspiration for other athletes. How do you deal with this responsibility?
This responsibility is something that I take very naturally. Throughout my career, I have been inspired by many, and now I serve as an inspiration to young people starting their sporting journeys. This is especially important in a scenario where the sport is constantly evolving. Being an example of resilience and success for these children is something that is of great importance to me.
Outside of competitions, what is your training and health and fitness routine like?
So, I’ve followed a pretty disciplined routine over the years. I swim from Monday to Saturday, with some days including two training sessions in the water. In addition, I have physical preparation sessions twice a week, mobility training, consultations with a psychologist, physiotherapist and biomechanist. I have an extensive team behind me, of which I am very proud. This team not only shares the emotional responsibility, but also the results. Everything that happens throughout my career is the result of the work of this dedicated team.
Could you share with us some of the biggest challenges you have faced throughout your career and how you overcame them?
So, one of the most memorable challenges for me was in 2010, when I lost my mother on my birthday, October 11th. A few weeks after this tragic event, I was leaving for Dubai to compete in my first World Cup. Surprisingly, I was a finalist in the 50 meter butterfly and won a medal in the 4×100 medley relay. This was a great example of how sport and my resilience showed me that anything is possible.
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