Eyeing the podium: Emanuel Borges

By Mariana Sá and Helena Petry - in 24/06/2019 às 16:49

His accent is unmistakable when Emanuel Borges begins to tell his story. With a calm and relaxed demeanor, the Rio Grande do Norte native speaks of his journey and everything he's achieved with a twinkle in his eye. At 31, he started rowing in 2005 and left Natal for Rio de Janeiro. After seven years of rowing, Emanuel arrived at Flamengo seeking new opportunities and challenges. He found them.

Since his debut in 2018, Emanuel has competed in Brazilian and South American Championships, and even a regatta in Italy. Now, after taking silver in the qualifying competition for this year's Pan American Games in Lima, he has secured a spot on the Brazilian National Team and dreams of perhaps securing a spot in the next Olympic Games.

In the series "Eye on the Podium," Flamengo's official website tells the stories of some of the club's and Brazil's top athletes, covering their personal lives, careers, and, of course, their favorite. Learn more about those who make Flamengo and Brazil's Olympic sports stronger.

Beginning in rowing and arriving at Flamengo

I started in 2005 through friends who were already involved in a social project, Navegar. Then I discovered Esporte Clube de Natal and started attending more often. I arrived at Flamengo after seven years in Rio de Janeiro. I trained at Botafogo and decided to leave the club in 2018. Initially, I was going to be alone, but the opportunity to come here came up through Stèphane (Durand, former rowing coach). I talked to him and Bruno Cotecchia (former VP of the sport), and I came here for the training and the structure.

A defining moment with the Mantle

Upon arrival, I performed well at the national trials in 2018, and the club gave me the opportunity to go to Piediluco, Italy. It was a really cool experience. That same year, I qualified for the Pan American Games in the Lightweight Four-man category.

Routine

I wake up every day at 5:6 AM and arrive at the club at 30:15 AM. After training, I go home and return at XNUMX:XNUMX PM. After the second period of activities, I take care of my son and rest.

Challenges of being a high-performance athlete

You need to disconnect from everything a normal person does. It's hard to study, for example. For me, it's even more complicated, since I have a son and need to care for him along with my wife. I love what I do. The hard part is training every day, dedicating myself, and not going anywhere with my family. I'm away from them, since they live in Natal. I spend the whole year here in Rio; I've already gone four years without seeing my mother due to the intensity of my training.

Pan American and Olympic Games

We've already completed the Brazilian Short Boat Championship, which was a qualifier, and now the Pan American Games are coming up. This year's main focus is this competition. Preparation is good, and expectations are high. I've always trained with the Olympic Games in mind; that's always my focus. The Pan American Games are a stepping stone to reaching an even higher level.

Family

I've been married since 2012 and have a 4-year-old son who lives with me here in Rio de Janeiro, as well as a 14-year-old stepson. This has made things easier for my family, as I used to live at the club and spend all day there. Now I feel like I'm going home, which is a huge improvement. My mom, dad, and older sister are away year-round.

Idol in sports

Geraldo Belo Moreno, my first coach. He taught me everything from the beginning, how to be an athlete. He was my inspiration and even a father figure for a long time until he passed away.

Hobbies

I like going to the beach with my family, cycling with friends, and going to the movies. I prefer to stay home and relax when I can.

Other sports besides rowing

Canoeing, cycling and athletics.

Technical sheet

Name: Emanuel Dantas Borges

Age: 31 years

Height: 1,85m

Place of Birth: Natal, Rio Grande do Norte

Main achievements: Gold (2018), silver and bronze in the South American Championship (2018), participation in World Championships and World Cups, eight-time Brazilian champion, five-time Carioca champion, competing for a place in the 2012 Olympic Games and silver and bronze in the XXXIII Paolo D'Aloja Memorial International Regatta (in Italy)