Meet Claudinei da Silva – the Brazilian athlete who smashed expectations by competing in both Summer and Winter Olympics! 🌟 In an exclusive chat with CGTN Sports Scene at Milano Cortina 2026’s Brazil House, the 55-year-old legend dished on his wild career pivot from sprinting to bobsleigh.
Summer Glory to Winter Grit
Da Silva first blazed trails at Sydney 2000, snagging silver in the 4×100m relay. But when retirement loomed? "I chose bobsleigh," he grinned. "Six years later – boom – Turin Winter Olympics!" 🛷
The Sled Leap Struggle
While his sprinter’s speed helped push the sled, da Silva admits: "Jumping in fast? That’s the real game. You’ve got 5 seconds to become a human bullet!" 💨 His secret sauce? A mindset he calls "Brazilian mode" – relentless positivity meets tropical hustle.
2026 Ambassador Vibes
Now cheering Team Brazil at #MilanoCortina2026, da Silva’s loving skeleton events ("Winter’s Formula 1!"). His message? "Brazilians can conquer any sport – just add passion!" 🇧🇷❄️
