Brazilian Olympian Cesar Cielo Focusing on 2018; On “Back Nine” of His Career

Photo Courtesy: Joao Marc Bosch

Olympian and World Record holder Cesar Cielo recently announced his intent to train through 2018, however he noted that he is not focused on Tokyo 2020.

The Brazilian rebounded in 2017 after not making the Olympic Team for Rio, missing out on a chance to swim in front of his home country. While in Budapest for the 2017 FINA World Championships, Cielo was a member of the 400 free relay team that nearly overtook the USA in the final.

Cielo explained to the associated press at the World Championships what that silver medal meant to him, saying,

“It feels awesome. Before the race, we had a chat between us that everybody would commit to drop three tenths. We committed to have the same order and make it better.”

He continued by stating,

“This is like a sweet, happy ending for me. I’m on the back nine of my career. Honestly, I don’t see myself going to the next Olympics, so I’m just trying to enjoy each season I can get and see how far I can go… That (relay) medal was the only medal I was missing in my entire career.”

A two-time Olympian, Cielo is considered to be one of Brazil’s most accomplished swimmers. He holds three Olympic medals to his name, becoming the first Brazilian to earn gold with a top showing in the 50 free at the 2008 Beijing Games. He backed that up with a bronze in the 100 free. At the 2012 London Games, he added a bronze medal in the 50 free.

Additionally, Cielo is the world record holder for the long course meter 50 and 100 free. His times of 20.91 and 46.91 were both posted in 2009.

More can be read about Cielo’s announcement at Globo Esporte

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