Having been a member of the Brazilian artistic swimming team for three years, Renan Alcântara is currently the biggest male name in the sport in Brazil. In 2017, the red-and-black player made history at the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Alongside Giovana Stephan, also from Mais Querido, Renan formed the country's first Mixed Duet at the tournament. The athletes delivered two outstanding performances that wowed the fans and, after advancing from the qualifying round, reached seventh place in the competition, the best national swimming finish in all editions of the competition.

Since then, Renan has collected titles in both duet and individual events. In November, he won the gold medal in the Mixed Duet at the Brazilian Category Championship, again with Giovana Stephan. In mid-April, he took first place again, this time in the men's individual at the Technical Solo Festival, held at the club's headquarters in Gávea. 

Achievements like these make Renan a leading figure in the sport in Brazil. A member of the Brazilian national team for another season, the red-and-black is the only man to represent the country in international competitions so far. However, last week, other athletes were invited to participate in training sessions with the team led by Roberta Perillier, coach of Flamengo and the national team.

"All the boys who participated in the Brazilian Championship last year were called up for a week of training with the team to acquire more technique, new experiences in the water, learn more about the group and athletes' routines, improve their solo elements and learn the choreography, both for the team and duet," explained Renan. 

For the red-and-black, the other four swimmers—who came from clubs in Rio de Janeiro, João Pessoa, and Maceió—are like a mirror of times gone by. He remembers his beginnings in the sport well and speaks fondly of the opportunity to spend time with his young teammates. 

"It's been a very rewarding experience to be able to help other kids who came from nothing, just like me. I see myself in their situation. I had people who helped me a lot along this journey, Roberta (Perillier) was one of them. Today, passing on everything I've learned to others has been incredible for me, and I'm very happy about it. They teach me a lot, and I'm teaching them everything I can," said the athlete.

The Brazilian National Team holds a week of training each month at the Maria Lenk Aquatic Park, the venue for artistic swimming at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Their first international commitment of the year will be the South American Games, which will take place from June 2nd to 6th in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Besides Renan, Flamengo's national team is also represented by Gabriela Regly, Giovana Stephan, Jaddy Milla, Juliana Damico, Jullia Catharino, Laura Micucci, Lorena Molinos, Maria Clara Lobo, Maria Eduarda Micucci, and Rebecca Rodrigues.