Eliezer and the Honor of Carrying the Olympic Torch at the Rio 2016 Games
In 2016, Brazil became the stage for one of the world's greatest sporting events: the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Throughout this journey, people with diverse backgrounds were selected to carry the torch, representing the essence of the Olympic spirit. Among them is Eliezer, who stood out for his inspiring story and had the honor of carrying the flame for 200 meters. His selection was no accident; he was chosen for having a story deeply connected to Olympic values.
In this exclusive interview, Eliezer shares the details of this experience with us: from the moment he learned of his selection to the emotion of participating in such a significant event.
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/07EBSxu-BNI
Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your sports career?
My name is Eliezer Soares. I am 62 years old. I have been a public servant for 37 years and have practiced sports since the age of 14. My connection with sports began in 1976 at Colégio São Fabiano in the Penha neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. I was 14 and chose basketball for my sporting initiation. Colégio São Fabiano supported the practice of various sports. During a basketball practice, due to my speed and physical conditioning, I was invited by a member of the track and field team to join the road running training. This was my first contact with the sport that would later become the passion of my life.
My first road race was at age 15 in Rio de Janeiro. On October 15, 1977, I participated in the 'Meia Volta na Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas' and won my first medal in this sport. I participated in a few more road races until 1978, when I had to stop running due to studies and work.
Many years passed. I got married. My son was born. We moved to the state of EspĂrito Santo in 1997. I was 35 years old and decided, 20 years after my first medal, to return to road running. At the time, my son was 10 years old, and I would take him to train and run with me.
Starting in 1998, my son and I began participating together in various road races in the state of EspĂrito Santo and other states, and we haven't stopped since. Among them, I can mention a few: Dez Milhas Garoto, the Rio de Janeiro International Half Marathon, Volta da Pampulha, and the SĂŁo Silvestre.
In 2000, I participated in my first Dez Milhas Garoto, and from that moment on, I haven't missed a single edition. Now, in 2024, I have participated in 23 consecutive editions of this road race.
Road running eventually transformed into the passion of my life.
The Story of the Flag at the Rio Pan Am Games
- What was the moment like when you handed over the Brazilian flag for the marathon championship at the Rio Pan Am Games?
- What motivated you to do it?
- What was the reaction of the crowd and the athlete at that moment?
It all started when my son and I traveled to Rio de Janeiro to attend the Rio 2007 Pan American Games. We watched several Olympic disciplines, always accompanied by our Brazilian Flag. There was one event we were looking forward to with great anticipation: the men’s marathon, which was to be held on the final day of the games.
The day of the men’s marathon finally arrived. It was a rainy Sunday, and my son and I were at Aterro do Flamengo with our Brazilian Flag, about 1 (one) kilometer from the finish line. My brother called me and told me that the Brazilian athlete Franck Caldeira was in first place and was approaching the spot where we were standing.
It was at that moment that I made a plan with my son to take a photo in the following way: Me, the Brazilian Flag, and Franck Caldeira passing in the background, heading toward victory.
To our surprise, as Franck Caldeira passed us, he asked for the Brazilian Flag. In that moment, I hesitated for a second, but then we immediately started running after him and managed to hand him the Flag. He won the marathon and secured the gold medal for Brazil. Franck Caldeira and our Brazilian Flag were on the front pages of every newspaper the next day.
This entire story was captured by TV Globo's cameras. The narrator, LuĂs Roberto, remarked: 'I can only imagine the feeling of that Brazilian who handed him the Flag.' To see this video, just search YouTube for 'jogos panamericanos Franck Caldeira'.
Carrying the Olympic Torch
Selection as a Torchbearer
How were you informed that you had been chosen to carry the Olympic torch? What was your reaction to receiving this news?
Now we are in 2016. The Rio 2016 Olympic Games Organizing Committee was selecting meaningful stories related to the Olympics. The prize for the best stories was the opportunity to carry the Olympic torch in one's own city.
I submitted our story of the Brazilian Flag to the organizing committee, and it was selected as one of the best. When I received the email informing me that I would be a torchbearer for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, my heart skipped a beat with emotion. It was the realization of a dream, and I was certain it would be one of the most important moments of my life.
Preparation and Training
- Was there any specific preparation or training for carrying the torch?
- How did you prepare yourself emotionally for that moment?
There was no specific type of preparation or physical training to carry the Olympic torch. We only received guidelines from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Committee on how to proceed during the event. One of the main instructions was to make the absolute most of those 200 (two hundred) meters that each torchbearer would cover.
The Experience of Carrying the Torch
- Could you describe what the experience of carrying the Olympic torch was like?
- What feelings and thoughts went through your mind during the route?
Carrying the Olympic torch at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, representing the city of Vila Velha in the State of EspĂrito Santo, was a unique and unforgettable moment. During those 200 (two hundred) meters, a movie of my life played in my head. A movie filled with family and friends who were instrumental in me being there on that day and in that place, representing all Brazilians.
Along the route, I saw and felt the joy and emotion of everyone present. Seeing the happiness of my dear Mom, my wife, my son, my brother, my nephew, and my friends who accompanied me while I carried the Olympic torch was something I will never forget in my life.
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Personal and Community Impact
- How did this experience impact your personal life?
- What was the reaction of your family, friends, and community when they found out you would be carrying the torch?
- Did you notice a change in how the community recognized you after this event?
The reaction of my family, friends, and the community was one of immense joy upon hearing that I would be carrying the Olympic torch.
After the Olympics, I was invited by several local schools to show the Rio 2016 Olympic torch and to speak with students about the importance of sports in people's lives. The welcome I received from the students when I arrived with the torch was deeply moving.
Reflections on the Olympic Legacy
- What does the opportunity to carry the torch mean to you in terms of legacy and memory?
- How do you see the impact of the Olympic Games on your city and the country?
The opportunity I had to carry the Olympic torch meant, in terms of legacy and memory, that everything is possible and that one must never give up on their dreams.
In my opinion, the main impact of the Olympic Games is the popularization of sporting disciplines that were previously unknown to the general public, and the subsequent development of future Olympic medal-winning athletes.
Messages for Future Athletes and Participants
- What advice would you give to those who dream of participating in the Olympic Games, whether as athletes or as contributors?
- What do you believe is the most important part of the Olympic values, and how can they positively influence society?
The main advice for those who dream of participating in the Olympic Games, whether as athletes or as contributors, is this: Never give up on your dreams.
The most important Olympic value is the message of peace. The peace that promotes the union of people in the celebration of diversity. The peace that makes the world more tolerant and inclusive. The peace that offers athletes from different backgrounds and cultures the opportunity to participate in this great celebration of life.
Future Plans
- Do you have any future plans related to sports or the community that you would like to share?
My future plan related to sports is the creation of a free athletics school for underprivileged children in Vila Velha, in the State of EspĂrito Santo.
Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments
- Is there a final message you would like to leave for our blog readers?
Sports changed my life and can transform yours too. My thanks to Keepsporting for the opportunity to tell my Olympic story.
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