Maria Clara Lobo follows family tradition in synchronized swimming
A Flamengo and Brazilian National Team athlete talks about the excitement of competing in Rio 2016 and practicing the sport in which his mother and grandmother made history
By Communication - Official Club Website - in
Synchronized swimming runs in Maria Clara Lobo's veins. Following her mother, Cristiana—a Brazilian Olympic duet athlete in the same discipline at the 1992 Barcelona Games and a seven-time South American champion—and her grandmother, Ana Maria—a bronze medalist in synchronized swimming at the 1963 São Paulo Pan American Games and an international referee—the young Flamengo athlete represents the third generation of her family on the Brazilian National Team. About to compete in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, Maria Clara could also make history.
"I can't even define exactly how I feel; it's a dream come true. Since I was little, I dreamed of going to the Olympics, but I saw it as a distant dream. Today, it's very close. My mother always told me, since I was a child, what an incredible experience it is," says the red-and-black, who this year has been training only with the national team.
Flamengo is the largest multi-sport club in the country, and every Flamengo fan can turn their income tax into medals and glorious stories like that of Maria Clara's family. Without spending a penny, you can deduct up to 6% of your tax liability and invest in the Olympic Sports of your Most Beloved. Those exempt from tax can also participate. Access www.flamengo.com.br/anjodaguarda, learn the step by step and become a Red-Black Guardian Angel!
Check out the full interview with Maria Clara:
Official Website: How do you define your relationship with Flamengo?
Maria Clara Lobo: It's a relationship that goes beyond the pool. My entire family is Flamengo fans, and since I was little, I've supported all the club's sports. So, swimming and competing for Flamengo is a source of immense pride.
Did Flamengo's support make a difference in you joining the Brazilian national team?
It made all the difference. It was the club that gave me my first steps toward becoming a high-performance athlete, always believing in my potential and helping me evolve. You can be part of the development of new Olympic talents in Brazil: click here and be a Red-Black Guardian Angel.
What is your relationship like with your teammates at Gávea?
Flamengo's synchronized swimming team has a strong sense of camaraderie, trust, and friendship. We even joke that it's our 'FLAmília.' Everyone trusts each other and is always rooting for both team and individual success.
What do you consider to be your main title with the club?
It was the Brazilian Senior Championship in 2013, because I was part of the Adult team and was still in the lower category. At this Brazilian Championship, we won gold in the technical team. But overall, all the national titles were very important and meant a lot to me, especially because I was part of teams and competed in duets with different people, so each experience was unique.
What do you think is missing for the renewal of swimming in Brazil?
Promoting the sport is very important and investing in youth teams is fundamental. You too can be fundamental to the renewal of synchronized swimming and all Olympic sports in the country: be a Rubro-Negro Guardian Angel and make a difference!
Maria Clara at the Olympics. How do you feel about this?
I can't even define exactly what I feel; it's a dream come true. Since I was little, I've dreamed of going to the Olympics, but I saw it as a distant dream. Today, it's so close. My mother always talked, since I was a child, about what an incredible experience it is. Now, this dream coming true in my country takes that feeling to even greater proportions. It's fantastic.
"I can't even define exactly how I feel; it's a dream come true. Since I was little, I dreamed of going to the Olympics, but I saw it as a distant dream. Today, it's very close. My mother always told me, since I was a child, what an incredible experience it is," says the red-and-black, who this year has been training only with the national team.
Flamengo is the largest multi-sport club in the country, and every Flamengo fan can turn their income tax into medals and glorious stories like that of Maria Clara's family. Without spending a penny, you can deduct up to 6% of your tax liability and invest in the Olympic Sports of your Most Beloved. Those exempt from tax can also participate. Access www.flamengo.com.br/anjodaguarda, learn the step by step and become a Red-Black Guardian Angel!
Check out the full interview with Maria Clara:
Official Website: How do you define your relationship with Flamengo?
Maria Clara Lobo: It's a relationship that goes beyond the pool. My entire family is Flamengo fans, and since I was little, I've supported all the club's sports. So, swimming and competing for Flamengo is a source of immense pride.
Did Flamengo's support make a difference in you joining the Brazilian national team?
It made all the difference. It was the club that gave me my first steps toward becoming a high-performance athlete, always believing in my potential and helping me evolve. You can be part of the development of new Olympic talents in Brazil: click here and be a Red-Black Guardian Angel.
What is your relationship like with your teammates at Gávea?
Flamengo's synchronized swimming team has a strong sense of camaraderie, trust, and friendship. We even joke that it's our 'FLAmília.' Everyone trusts each other and is always rooting for both team and individual success.
What do you consider to be your main title with the club?
It was the Brazilian Senior Championship in 2013, because I was part of the Adult team and was still in the lower category. At this Brazilian Championship, we won gold in the technical team. But overall, all the national titles were very important and meant a lot to me, especially because I was part of teams and competed in duets with different people, so each experience was unique.
What do you think is missing for the renewal of swimming in Brazil?
Promoting the sport is very important and investing in youth teams is fundamental. You too can be fundamental to the renewal of synchronized swimming and all Olympic sports in the country: be a Rubro-Negro Guardian Angel and make a difference!
Maria Clara at the Olympics. How do you feel about this?
I can't even define exactly what I feel; it's a dream come true. Since I was little, I've dreamed of going to the Olympics, but I saw it as a distant dream. Today, it's so close. My mother always talked, since I was a child, about what an incredible experience it is. Now, this dream coming true in my country takes that feeling to even greater proportions. It's fantastic.