Mariana Brochado, one of the standout performers in Brazilian swimming, is back. After a period away from competition, but never far from the pool, Mariana made a glorious comeback.

Recently, the Flamengo swimmer achieved two important victories in the 800m freestyle. In her return, in the World Cup Super Final in Belo Horizonte (November 23-25), Mariana left behind opponents who were in full swing and in competitive rhythm.

With a time of 8'51”60, Mariana was the first Brazilian to climb to the top of the podium in the Super Final.

The muse's second victory in the 800m freestyle event was this weekend, during the Summer Junior and Senior State Championships, held at Botafogo Aquatic Park.

In addition to the victory in the 800m freestyle, in which the red-black team also achieved the technical index (9'10”97), Mariana was also crowned champion in the 200 and 400m freestyle with times of 2'08”57 and 4'29”03, respectively.

Now, Mariana Brochado is preparing to face the disputes of the Brazilian Junior and Senior/Open, (12 to 16/12, in São Paulo) and the Absolute State/Cariocão (20 to 22/12, in Rio de Janeiro).

Everything suggests that the muse will be representing Brazil at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Photo: Satiro Sodré