Caio Bonfim and Maria Clara Pacheco are elected athletes of the year at the Brazilian Olympic Awards

With formal outfits and lots of smiles, the Brazilian athletes exuded conviviality during the Brasil Olímpico Awards ceremony, on the night of Thursday 11, in Rio de Janeiro. The event celebrated the achievements of athletes throughout the 2025 season and featured race walking’s Caio Bonfim and taekwondo’s Maria Clara Pacheco, who were voted Athletes of the Year in both the men’s and women’s categories. Both gave powerful speeches, with personal stories of overcoming and moved the guests.

The ceremony was hosted by journalist Karine Alves, from TV Globo, and former swimmer Bruno Fratus. The duo showed good understanding and charisma to announce the winners of the evening’s different award categories, transforming the stage of the Cidade das Artes into a podium for the promotion of sport.

In response, in an atmosphere of contemplation, the audience made up of press figures, authorities and guests warmly applauded each name announced.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the team of the year trophy to the athletes of the Brazilian rhythmic gymnastics team. The Lionesses made history with the unprecedented silver medal victory at the World Championship, held in August in Rio de Janeiro.

Duda Arakaki, Sofia Madeira, Nicole Pircio, Maria Paula Caminha, Mariana Gonçalves and coach Camila Ferezin were applauded when they took the stage. “Olê lis, oh dear, the lionesses are coming and the animal is going to get it,” the audience sang. To cap off the emotion of Thursday evening, a Titãs show closed the event, bringing together music and sport, always a winning combination.