Eyeing the podium: Yanka Britto

By Mariana Sá and Helena Petry - in 26/06/2019 às 11:10

Her family's connection to judo and jiu-jitsu didn't deter Yanka Britto from rowing. Discovering the sport in 2010, she realized her calling through a friend, who brought her directly to Flamengo. After that first day at the club's nautical headquarters, Yanka wanted nothing more. A year later, she was at a South American Championship alongside one of the best. Now selected for the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, the rower has only one thing on her mind: the gold medal.

The athlete talks about her sport with a big smile on her face. The sparkle in her eyes when she talks about her career and the travels she's taken for her career only grows. When she mentions the Red-Blacks, her affection for her hometown club is also evident.

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.

Beginnings in sport and Flamengo

In November 2010, I was working at a store and had mentioned to a friend that I wanted to start an activity because I wanted to feel better. She pointed out that I was tall and asked if I wanted to try rowing. I had no idea what it was, but I came one day to check it out. I'm a little embarrassed telling you about it, because I was doing the tank (a water exercise simulator) and it started to rain heavily. I immediately thought, "Wow, this sport is awful." Shortly after, the boats started coming down toward me, and I was amazed, thinking how beautiful it was. From then on, I came every day. I slept in the warehouse at work so I could train in the afternoon.

My arrival at Flamengo was like that, out of the blue. Then I left in 2014, competed for Vasco, lived in Argentina for almost two years, and then returned here, moving to Spain. I rowed there and returned to see Marcello Varriale's (Water Sports Manager) project, with all the organization. I dropped everything and returned to live here in Rio this year.

First major competition

After a year of rowing, I went to a South American Championship and competed with Fabiana Beltrame (a former rower, multiple champion, and two-time Olympic champion), because I quickly became a star. I won two silver medals right away, one in the Single Sculls and another in the Double. From there, I never stopped. Fabiana had just finished the Olympics and asked to row with me. That was a truly remarkable experience, both in terms of learning and experience. I was able to compete in a few races with her, and it was all very special.

Joy of winning

There are many memorable moments, but I believe the boat ride with the girls is the most memorable. You see them every day, you're always together in the routine. I don't have a specific race that has had the biggest impact on me. When it's one that no one expects you to win in that competition and it happens to your partner, there's no way to explain it. It's amazing.

Daily routine and difficulties in maintaining high performance

I wake up at 4:30 a.m. and come here to train. It's two to three hours of activity, depending on whether I have weight training. Then I go home and return for the afternoon. I believe that giving up time with family is the hardest part. Of course, you have to make a huge effort and be very determined, but I think that's the hardest part.

Preparation for the Pan American Games

The goal is the gold medal, and that's my total focus. I can't think about anything else. Right now, I feel very confident with the German (coach Bernhard Stomporowski), with the project we have here at Varriale. Having a record of everything you're doing and being able to analyze it gives you confidence. I'm very focused on the Pan American Games, and depending on the results, they could take us to the World Championships, maybe even qualify a boat for the Olympics.

Family

I have seven sisters, all on my father's side. These days, I live with his first wife, and we have a great relationship. My father is a judo practitioner and still teaches, and my mother's family is all jiu-jitsu, part of the Gracie family. She's always been very encouraging of me, too. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially with my sisters, talking and laughing.

Idol in sports

There's a guy I follow a lot and watch all his videos: Rich Roll, a triathlete. He has a podcast, and it's amazing. He's vegan, and I don't eat meat either, so he's an inspiration. He covers a lot of interesting topics and shares stories of overcoming adversity.

Hobbies

Being in nature.

Which modalities do you follow?

Fight, because it runs in the family, and row.

Technical sheet

Name: Yanka Britto

Age: 29 years

Height: 1,85m

Place of Birth: Rio de Janeiro

Main achievements: Call-up for the Pan American Games (2015 and 2019), champion in regattas in Spain, Argentina and France, several Brazilian Championships, four silver medals in South American Championships.