On the eve of another challenge, He-Man reflected on the pressure of football, talked about mental health and celebrated his development as a three-man player.
Rafael Moura, 42, is used to a high-pressure environment. The former footballer, who had spells at clubs such as Corinthians, Fluminense, Internacional and Atletico MG, had some fantastic years on the pitch. Since retiring in 2021, with his wife’s encouragement, he has found in triathlon an opportunity to rebuild character, a way to fill the void that usually accompanies the end of a career within the four lines.
Despite treating the practice as a hobby, He-Man, as he became known to fans, participated in marathons, endurance challenges and World Cup goals. On Sunday the 30th of this month, he will be one of 1,300 registered for the competition that will be held in Praia de Atalaia, in Aracaju. If in football headers are one of his main characteristics, in triathlon Rafael guarantees excellence in cycling. “I come from bikecross, so I have a really strong bike,” he said. land.
On the other hand, swimming is a source of concern for the former striker. “I’m very heavy from the waist down. I have trouble buoyant and it gets in the way. The drag is much bigger. I’m falling short in swimming, but I want to improve soon so I have a better chance of fighting for the podium in my category. It’s my dream to get a place in the World Championships.”
This will be He-Man’s second time competing in Aracaju, being his eighth at Ironman 70.3. As we know part of the route, the strategy adopted will be more conservative, especially due to the high temperature in the capital, Sergipe. The goal is to complete a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride and 21.1 km run in 5 hours and 20 minutes.
“I was here last year. The heat is very intense. By the time I got to the end of the bike to start the race, I started to struggle a lot. I’m always thinking about improving my time in each race, I was doing it sequentially. Doing it in under 5:20 will be a big asset,” he predicted.
He added, “In this test, I carry from football the mental problem, which is knowing how to suffer and knowing how to do it. I will do my best as long as I feel good. If I go beyond this point, there is a chance of a break and that is not what I want. I want to complete the test well and I need to deal with these moments of frustration and pressure.”
Being exposed to adverse conditions throughout competitions made Rafael develop his resilience in other areas of his life. In recent years, when he lost his mother, he suffered from depression and admitted that triathlon helped him get through this moment.
“I always make sure to talk about it. Depression is increasingly present in conversations and in sports. Simone Biles mentioned this. I lost my mother in the year of my retirement and I needed to do something in which I felt useful. In football, we retire at a very young age and our bodies and minds are still active. In triathlon, you train together, but in the races you are alone. This has made me stronger. Today I am a happy, happy and connected man. I love being here among everyone and receiving this energy award.”
In fact, fans often ask He-Man to take photos and videos as he walks along Praia de Atalaia beach. Even with the new reality, his playing days will always be a part of the former goalscorer’s history. But he now confirms that he has changed his position. “Compared in terms of positions, I think in triathlon I am more like a winger, going back and forth with force, but also with a lot of resistance,” he enjoyed his time.
- All stages of Ironman Brasil are sponsored by Vivo.