When asked to reflect on the past year, Braz da Silva said, “One of the things that made me very emotional is the ‘flash’ I had after I passed 6.03 meters. It seemed like a movie in my head. I saw all the bad moments of my life, all the choices I had to make, all the difficulties I’ve been through, I can’t say that 2016 will be the best year of my life, although, it is unforgettable! It was the start for all of my dreams.”
On his plans for the New Year, he said, “For 2017, I hope stay in progress in my life, in my pole vault, as well as my results, and to keep a nice relationship with my coach. I want to keep doing what I did until now, giving the best of myself in every second of practice, so I can reach the results at the competitions.”
Braz da Silva turned 23 years old on December 16. “Man… I’m getting old,” he said with a laugh. “The feeling of being 23 years old is that automatically the responsibilities are raised. It’s a new experience and life expectation, and this makes me happy and anxious to reach all the dreams I planned, so the age helps as well.”
He revealed that his first major competition for this year will be the open Mundial in London. “One of my dreams is to be a worldwide champion, and I will definitely give my best to be in a good condition. I won’t be in New York in February, and unfortunately that’s why I won’t compete at the Millrose Game. It would be an honor to me,” he said.
Braz da Silva continued, “My goal for this year is to do some hard and dedicated work, so I can keep my vault stable. We don’t have a goal defined. Our goal always was to reach the best in everything, but, of course, maintain the stable at six meters is a dream to come true.”
Last month, Braz da Silva made Digital Journal’s list of “Top 4 Olympians interviews in 2016,” which was quite a thrill for the Brazilian pole vaulter. “It had made me so thankful when I saw the Olympics Top 4, and I really enjoyed the interview. I feel so honored to be side by side with great global sports names,” he said.
For his dedicated fans, Braz da Silva concluded, “I would like to say to my fans that I’m grateful to all of them. The values that they pass me every single day are really encouraging, an extra strength so I can wake up every day ready to go through anything. Thank so much to all of my fans – by heart! The victory at the Olympics was all ours!”
To learn more about 2016 Olympic champion Thiago Braz da Silva, check out his Facebook page.
