After coming third again in the São Silvestre International Race, repeating last year’s feat, Brazilian athlete Nubia de Oliveira stated that she intends to come stronger next year and that her goal is still to be champion of the race.
“My dream is to become champion of São Silvestre and I will fight for it until the end. I’m 23 years old. I believe I still have a long way to go. I’m gaining a lot of experience until I reach the highest place on the podium”, said Núbia, who is already in her fourth participation in the race.
This Wednesday (31), Nubia improved her time last year, finishing the race with 52 minutes and 42 seconds, the best Brazilian athlete in the race. Last year, she also came in third place, but with a time of 53 minutes and 24 seconds.
Brazilian athlete Núbia de Oliveira, third place in the female category of the 100th São Silvestre International Race. Photo: Paulo Pinto/Agência Brasil
“This result, I’m sure, inspires and encourages more women to participate in the sport. I’m sure I’m a reference for many women. I’m very happy to be on the podium and represent the strength of women, of northeastern women. I’m very happy to be participating once again and seeing the growth of women in road running”, she said at a press conference.
For almost 20 years, Brazil has not reached the top of the São Silvestre podium. The last Brazilian to win the race was Lucélia Peres, in 2006.
In this Wednesday’s race, the winner was the Tanzanian athlete Sisilia Ginoka Panga, who clocked 51 minutes and 08 seconds. This was Sisilia’s first participation in São Silvestre and the first victory of a Tanzanian athlete in São Silvestre. Sisilia’s victory broke a streak of victories by Kenyan athletes, which had been going on since 2016.
Sisilia Ginoka, winner of the female category. Photo: Paulo Pinto/Agência Brasil
To achieve the feat, the Tanzanian had to overtake Kenyan runner Cynthia Chemweno, who had been leading the race in the opening minutes.
“Cynthia is an excellent runner. It was not easy to stay calm to go after her. But I am proud to represent my country and I hope that next year will be even better”, said the athlete who, at the end of the race, ended up needing medical attention. According to her, this was a result of the heat.
Cynthia Chemweno came in second place, also repeating the same position as last year. She completed the race with a time of 52 minutes and 31 seconds.
“The race was very happy. Throughout the race, everyone was very excited. Despite the heat and it being very humid, I was very happy with second place”, celebrated the Kenyan.
Fourth place went to Peruvian Gladys Tejeda Pucuhuaranga, who arrived at 53 minutes and 50 seconds. Fifth position was achieved by Kenyan Vivian Jeftanui Kiplagati, in 54 minutes and 12 seconds.
Masculine
In the men’s category, the best Brazilian athlete also came in third place, a position achieved by Fábio de Jesus Correia.
“We always have to have this mindset of being a champion, of being a winner in everything we do. However, it has been almost 16 years since a Brazilian has won the race [no masculino]. But I’m going to train a lot to, perhaps in the next few years, break this taboo”, said the Brazilian.
The last time Brazil won São Silvestre in the men’s competition was in 2010, with Marilson Gomes dos Santos’ victory.
Muse Gizachew, winner of the male category Photo: Paulo Pinto/Agência Brasil
THE The victory went to Ethiopian Muse Gisachew, who overtook Kenyan Jonathan Kipkoech Kamosong in the final minuteswith a difference of just four seconds.
“It’s a race with many ups and downs and the heat was difficult. But the finish was excellent”, commented Muse Gisachew. “What I did was maintain the pace, finishing with property and firmness”, he celebrated, who finished the race with a time of 44 minutes and 28 seconds.
Asked about the final moment of the race, Kenyan Jonathan Kipkoech Kamosong acknowledged that he set a strong pace and that this cost him the victory. “I was very strong in the previous kilometers and, in the final kilometers, I couldn’t maintain the pace”, he lamented. “The first 10 kilometers were very strong. And that took a toll in the end.”
During a press conference, Fábio celebrated his position in the race, but complained that there is a lack of places for training.
“Many think that [a maior necessidade] It’s the financial part. But I think it needs more appreciation [do atleta] and training space. I ask here that the authorities are playing a good role. We need to open a safe space to train and a safe track”, he highlighted.
The São Silvestre podium was completed with Kenyan athletes William Kibor and Reuben Logonsiwa Poguisho.
