The best athletes of the year are from Mengão. Rebeca Andrade, from artistic gymnastics, and Isaquias Queiroz, from canoeing, were chosen at the 2021 Brazil Olympic Awards gala ceremony last Tuesday night by the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) in Aracaju. At the sports awards ceremony, Laura Miccuci, alongside Luísa Borges, was also named the best of the year in artistic swimming.
 
"It's an honor to receive this trophy once again. I couldn't help but thank Flamengo for everything and for all the affection the nation has shown me. We have the biggest fan base in Brazil, and I will do everything I can to shine again in Paris, representing the club," the canoeist thanked.

"I'd like to thank everyone at the COB, my team, everyone at Lagoa Santa, my family, and I couldn't forget to thank Jesus Morlan. And he also brought Lauro de Souza, who helped me in my quest to become an Olympic champion," said Isaquias, who became the most successful winner of the Best Athlete of the Year trophy. He won the award in 2015, 2016, 2018, and now in 2021.

 Rebeca Andrade, gold and silver medalist in Tokyo, was unable to attend the awards ceremony. The gymnast took a 10-day vacation, but sent a video thanking her for the award.

"First, I'd like to thank God for the opportunity to receive this award. This moment is very important to me. My career is full of ups and downs, and this year I managed to achieve all my dreams and goals. The support network of the COB, CBG, and Flamengo never gave up on me and always helped me. Chico, my coach, goes without saying. Today I feel like this award isn't just mine, it belongs to all of us. We are all Athletes of the Year, and I'm very proud of you and our stories," said Rebeca.

The Brazilian sports Oscars were canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event's return was a grand celebration of Brazil's historic campaign in Tokyo, when the Brazilian delegation won 21 medals.