Claudinei da Silva, one of Brazil’s few athletes to compete in both Summer and Winter Olympics, recently reflected on his extraordinary career at the Milano Cortina 2026 Brazil House. The 55-year-old sprinter-turned-bobsledder discussed his unique transition and ongoing contributions to sports with CGTN Sports Scene.
Da Silva first made history at the 2000 Sydney Games, winning silver in the men’s 4×100 meter relay. After retiring from track and field, he embraced bobsleigh, qualifying for the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics in under six years. "The speed and power from sprinting translated well," he said, "but mastering the split-second sled entry was crucial."
Now serving as a Brazil House ambassador, da Silva aims to inspire athletes at the 2026 Winter Games. He also expressed admiration for skeleton racing, calling it the "Formula One of Winter Sports," while emphasizing Brazil’s growing presence in cold-weather disciplines.
