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Figure skating athletes who train at the Olympic Park are called up to the Brazilian National Team
Published on 25/02/2025 - 16:34 | Updated
Athletes train at the Olympic Velodrome, in the Barra Olympic Park - Yohann Fernandes/City of Rio Six figure skating athletes who train at the Olympic Velodrome, in the Barra da Tijuca Olympic Park, were called up for the 2025 Brazilian National Team. Through the partnership between the City Hall and Rio Patinação, they are preparing for two competitions: the Brazilian Championship, which will be held in March, in Venâncio Aires, in Rio Grande do Sul, and the Artistic International Series (World Cup – first stage), which will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in April.
– I am very happy to see that the structure provided to the skating team is bearing fruit. The partnership with Rio Patinação is very cool and goes beyond high-performance athletes, also covering the school for those who want to start in the sport, encouraging the training of new skaters – said the municipal secretary of Sports, Guilherme Schleder.
Young Yago Martellotte, 19, started in the sport at the age of 4. Alongside his partner Giullia Gastaldi, 13, he has collected many medals. Both were called up to the Brazilian National Team in the senior free doubles and are looking forward to the upcoming competitions.
– I was very happy to be called up to the National Team. I started training with Rio Patinação in 2023. Last year, even with little time as a pair, Giullia and I achieved important achievements. We were the first placed in the South American Championship and we finished fourth in the World Championship. Now, with more experience, we are hoping to win a medal at the World Championship – said Yago.
Rafaela Lemos, 14, was selected to represent the country for the first time this year. She has recently been paired with Arthur Bastos, 19, and expectations are high for her debut in competitions.
– It’s my first time being chosen for the National Team. I’m very happy and excited. Arthur gives me a lot of confidence, because he’s already won medals in other competitions and we’re training a lot – said Rafaela.
Lucas Carmona, 17, and Suzana Bosso, 14, began their partnership last year and it has already yielded many rewards. At the Troféu Brasil in Curitiba, they came in third place, and soon after, they were runners-up at the South American Championship. Lucas still competes in the individual competition and has already been runner-up at the Pan American Championship, as well as champion at the World Cup, alongside another partner.
– We started as a duo last year and have already reached a very high level. We have high expectations for the Brazilian Championship, the World Cup and we are already looking forward to the World Cup. We train every day for this. It is a very intense routine and we only rest on Sunday – said Lucas.
The partnership between the City Hall and Rio Patinação has helped boost high-performance athletes, who train at the Olympic Park on Mondays, using the court and gym. In addition, there is a skating school for all ages on the site on Wednesdays and Fridays. The spots are full, with 40 students served and there is a waiting list. Coach Alessandra Castro, who is the technical director of Rio Patinação, is proud to see the team achieving so many goals.
– Our main goal is to be called up and win the titles. We are very happy. The structure here at the Olympic Park is ideal for figure skating and helps us to do our work more effectively. Since 2023, we have been called up for pairs. We were South American and Pan American champions and for the first time we were called up for the World Championships last year. We finished fourth and fifth in the world. Our expectation now is to win a medal at the World Championships, which is the most important championship in figure skating.
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