With just weeks remaining before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Brazilian athletes are making headlines by securing the final spots available through international qualifying events. From athletics and swimming to boxing and wrestling, Brazil’s Olympic delegation is rapidly expanding, with athletes showing not just readiness, but medal potential.
This late surge in qualification reflects the success of targeted investment, high-performance training centers, and competitive depth across a range of Olympic sports.
Strong Performances Across Multiple Disciplines
Boxing
In the final World Olympic Qualifier in Bangkok, Brazil added three boxers to its Paris roster, including Wanderson de Oliveira in the lightweight category and Beatriz Ferreira, the reigning world champion, in the women’s lightweight class. Ferreira, who took silver in Tokyo 2020, dominated her bracket and enters Paris as a strong gold medal contender.
Athletics
At the South American Championships held in São Paulo, Brazilian sprinters, hurdlers, and throwers hit Olympic qualifying marks in a series of high-intensity performances. Notably, Alison dos Santos, Olympic bronze medalist in the 400m hurdles, won his event with the season’s best South American time.
Meanwhile, Gabriela Silva secured qualification in the 1500m, marking Brazil’s return to the middle-distance stage at the Olympics after more than a decade.
Swimming
At the Brazil Swimming Trophy in Recife, multiple swimmers confirmed their Olympic spots, including Guilherme Costa in the 800m freestyle and Viviane Jungblut in the 1500m. Both swimmers achieved times that place them among the top 10 in the world rankings, raising expectations for finals appearances in Paris.
Expanding the Brazilian Delegation
With these latest qualifications, Brazil’s Olympic team now exceeds 220 athletes, representing over 30 disciplines — one of the largest delegations in the country’s history.
The Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) credits this result to the synergy between national federations, Olympic training centers, and athlete support programs. The use of performance analytics, biomechanical testing, and psychological coaching has been particularly emphasized in the final Olympic cycle since Tokyo.
Officials have also highlighted the role of regional competitions such as the Pan American Games and South American circuits in building match readiness for younger athletes.
Confidence Building Ahead of Paris
Beyond the numbers, the mood within the Brazilian camp is increasingly confident. Team doctors report record-low injury levels, and athletes interviewed after qualifying events have emphasized not only excitement, but strategic clarity in their preparations.
“We’re no longer going to the Games to participate,” said boxing coach Mateus Alves. “We’re going to win.”
For many athletes who missed Tokyo due to injury, pandemic disruption, or age limits, Paris represents both redemption and opportunity.
Public and Media Engagement Rising
With the Olympic flame nearing its arrival in France, Brazilian media has intensified coverage of athlete profiles, behind-the-scenes training, and Olympic projections. National broadcasters are building special content featuring rising stars and medal hopefuls, especially in less traditional sports like taekwondo, archery, and skateboarding.
The public is responding: a recent poll indicated that over 70% of Brazilians plan to follow the Paris Olympics closely, with growing interest in female athletes, Paralympic events, and debut sports like breaking (breakdance).
Conclusion: Brazil Arrives in Paris Ready to Compete
With a growing and diversified Olympic roster, Brazil enters Paris 2024 with a sense of determination, depth, and balance. From boxing rings and swimming pools to athletics tracks and sailing courses, the green and yellow will be represented by athletes who’ve earned their places under pressure.
The final qualifiers may be over, but for Brazil, the momentum is only just beginning.