Eyeing the podium: Gabriela Regly
By Helena Petry and Mariana Sá - inThe youngest of three children, Gabriela Regly began artistic swimming with her older sister at age 5. At 12, Gabi was already a member of the first Brazilian National Team, winning the South American title in the Junior category.
At Flamengo since 2007, the swimmer developed a special relationship with coach Roberta Perillier, for whom she holds great affection. With Beta leading the national team, Gabi just participated in her first adult World Championships and is heading to her Pan American Games debut.
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 sport
I started artistic swimming at the age of 5 at Fluminense. My brother was a futsal player there, and while he trained, my sister and I would sit in the pool stands watching. One day, the club's swimming coach invited us to a trial lesson; we loved the experience and continue training to this day. Two years later, my mother decided to change clubs, and we went to Flamengo, where I remain to this day, completely in love with my team and swimming. At 12, I joined my first Brazilian national team, went to the South American Youth Championship in Chile, and we won. It was an extraordinary feeling to stand at the top of the podium and hear the national anthem in another country. It was from that moment on that I decided to carry the sport and the national team into my life.
Arrival at Flamengo
My mother, a volleyball coach at Flamengo, decided to switch me to another club because it was easier to drop me off, pick me up, and always be around. Today, I'm very grateful for her decision, because I'm very happy here at the club.
A defining moment in his career
My most memorable swimming moment was my first Junior World Championships in 2014, in Finland. It was my first selection alongside my sister, the person I admire most in the sport. And together with our team, we won the finals in every event we swam; they were incredible swims! Beta (Roberta Perillier) was our coach, and it was one of the best groups I've ever had. We were very close with each other and with our coaches, that made a huge difference. I remember well when we finished swimming, received the score, and Beta had tears in her eyes. She looked at us and said, "That was beautiful, girls. You made history." That phrase has never left my mind.
Relationship with Beta Perillier
Beta is like a second mother to me. She's always been very attentive to me, and we've always known how to separate the pool from our personal relationship. Without a doubt, our relationship is very strong, as she always tells me, "You're just like Pepe, the female version of my son." We've been working together since I was 7, and we've been together for 12 years now, and I don't see myself having a different technique. I'm very grateful for all the lessons she taught me, both in swimming and in life in general. Without her, I wouldn't be half the person I am today. She's definitely the best coach anyone could have.
Daily routine
We train a lot, so my routine revolves around training. Close to competition, we train morning and afternoon every day. I wake up at 5:40 AM to be at training by 7:30 AM. We stay until 12:30 PM and in the afternoon from 15 PM to 18 PM. When it's a little further away, we only train twice a day on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I train in the morning and go to college in the afternoon. I work in advertising at PUC.
Difficulties of being a high-performance athlete
In swimming, the biggest challenge is the lack of investment. It's a sport with little support, so the investment leaves a lot to be desired. With these intense training sessions, I've also become very tired. Sometimes it's difficult to overcome the fatigue barrier, but then I always stop and think, "The Pan American Games podium is just around the corner," and that gives me the strength to overcome anything.
Main competitions
The World Championships, which ended last week, and the Pan American Games. It was my first World Championships in the adult category and my first Pan American Games as well. I'm so excited; I can't wait to be in the pools in Korea and Peru representing my country in such huge competitions.
Preparation and expectations for the Olympic Games
Every high-performance athlete's dream is to compete in the Olympics, and that's mine too. I'm thrilled and fulfilled to be going to my first Pan American Games; I'm fulfilling another athlete's dream, which is incredibly rewarding. The preparation was intense, with intense days of training, and we'll continue working hard to achieve this goal.
Family structure
I have my mother, my father, a brother and a sister, both older than me, my grandmother, who lives in the same building, and a very beautiful little dog. Currently, I live alone with my mother and father. My sister, who is also an artistic swimmer, is living in the United States, where she went to college and graduated. My brother is a soccer goalkeeper and currently lives and plays in Manaus. My family has always been very supportive, and I am very grateful for all their support. Without them, I wouldn't have achieved half of what I have achieved today.
Idol in sports
Ayrton Senna. I grew up listening to my father talk about Senna, and every now and then he would watch videos of his achievements, and I started watching them. My father's admiration was so great and beautiful that I ended up admiring him too. Even 25 years after his death, he remains my eternal idol in Brazil and around the world.
Hobbies
I love being at the beach; it's my refuge. I also love being with my friends, wherever that may be. I love hiking, traveling to different places...
Other sports besides swimming
I follow swimming and football a lot too, because it's the sport my brother plays.
Free time
We've had very little free time these past few months, but whenever possible, I like to spend time with my family or friends; it's really good for me. I also really enjoy going to the beach, watching a new movie, and relaxing, as my training schedule has been quite intense.
Technical sheet
Name: Gabriela Regly
Age: 19 years
Height: 1,64
Place of Birth: Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Main achievements: Finalist at the 2014 World Championships in Finland, 5 times South American champion and 4 times Pan American runner-up in categories