Duda Lisboa carrying the YOG spirit
Eduarda “Duda” Santos Lisboa, a beach volleyball player from Brazil, won a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing 2014. She was initially chosen to carry the torch in her home country as part of the Olympic Torch Relay Rio 2016, but due to a conflict of schedules couldn’t accept the spot. We thought that this was still a good occasion the catch up with her for an interview:
How/why did you start your sport?
It all started when I was five, thanks to my mom, as she was a beach volleyball player. I started to train regularly when I was 12, with my mom as my coach. And I started playing in tournaments then.
What do you like most about sport?
For me the best thing about sport is the friendship and camaraderie on the court. I love to get to know new people... and learn English at the same time
What achievements are you most proud of in your sporting career?
Winning gold at the Youth Olympic Games and winning the U19 World Championships.
Favorite moment at the Youth Olympics? A special memory of your participation?
The emotion of winning gold in Nanjing was really special. It was very important as well to get to know other people from a lot of different cultures.
What made you want to participate in the Youth Olympic Games?
For me it was an important step in the process of wanting to get to the Olympic Games. This was a real driver in my career.
Favourite part of the Learn and Share activities at the YOG?
The possibility of sharing our contact information with every other athlete and thus being able to keep in touch afterwards thanks to the web.
What do you like most about the Youth Olympic Games concept?
The fair play was what stood out to me.
How special is it for you to be chosen to carry the Olympic flame in Brazil?
It is very special for me. It’s the first symbol of the Olympic Games. It’s very important and for every athlete it’s a special experience and honour.
What do you think it will be like to actually carry the flame? What do you expect of that experience?
I am a little bit nervous
What does it represent to have the Olympic Games in your home country?
It’s great, because I will get to see all the great athletes, all the idols I have been admiring for a long time. The emotion will be very high.
What are the next steps for you in your sporting career?
My next big objective is to reach the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, so before that I’ll have to work hard on the World Championships in order to qualify.
What achievements are you most proud of outside of your sporting career?
Staying simple and helping my fellow beings.
What are your personal hobbies outside your sport?
Listening to music, reading, going out with my boyfriend and hanging out with my family.