2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games

Brazilian Volleyball Stars Carry Olympic Torch

Brazilian Volleyball Stars Carry Olympic Torch

Current and former Brazilian volleyball stars participate in the Olympic Torch Relay in advance of the 2016 Rio Games.

May 17, 2016 by Megan Kaplon
Brazilian Volleyball Stars Carry Olympic Torch
Current and former Brazilian volleyball stars Sheila Castro, Wélissa Gonzaga (better known as Sassá), Tandara Alves Caixeta, André Nascimento, Anderson de Oliveira Rodrigues and Nalbert Bitencourt carried the Olympic torch as it made its way through Southwest Brazil. 



Sheila, Sassá and Tandara are active members of the Brazilian women’s national team, which won the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix and will be Team USA’s biggest rival at the Rio Olympics. 

“It is a truly unique feeling,” said Sheila. “I was very keen to carry the Olympic flame. The Torch Relay is a beautiful thing and I’m pleased to be part of it.”

André and Anderson played for Brazil in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics where Brazil came away with the gold and silver medals, respectively. Nalbert helped Brazil secure the Triple Crown of gold medals in the early 2000s, playing on the teams that won the 2002 World Championship, 2003 World Cup and the 2004 Olympics. He was inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2014.

“I’m very proud to carry the Torch in Juiz de Fora,” said André. “It was the city where everything started for me in volleyball and provided me with a platform for national and international success.”

Volleyball players have been a high-profile part of the torch-bearing contingency so far in Brazil. Brazilian team captain Fabiana Claudino was the first relay runner to carry the torch after its arrival in Brazil.

The Olympic Torch Relay will conclude August 5 in Rio when the flame will arrive at the Maracana Stadium for the opening ceremony.