The team from Balneário Camboriú Surf Club, Brazil may be a small team but that has not stopped them from shining here on the Gold Coast.

“In Brazil we have only 22 athletes in total” said Sebastian Vazquez

“12 competitors here in Australia, one youth and one open”

Gold Coast 2024 is the team’s fourth world title appearance.

“In previous years we had three or four athletes, now this year is the biggest team”

“We have much potential” said Sebastian, speaking about the growing team and interest in international competition.

Adding to the success of their 2024 campaign, Matheus de Oliveira Serra Costa, is the first youth competitor to ever represent Brazil.

“It is a big honour for a small club” Matheus’ father said.

The Brazilians have been making the most of the international competition, interacting with many of the teams from Australia and around the world.

“[Thursday] was a special day we had a beach flags clinic with multi-world champion and Australian, Simon Harris”

“We learned new techniques that we will take to our athletes in Brazil”

Simon Harris, an 11 times Australian Beach Flags champion, four time world titlist and SLSA Hall of Famer, has been a regular celebrity at the championship, generously giving his time to welcome and support the international contingent at the championships.

“Thank you for the opportunity to share this knowledge with us” said the team on their Instagram after the session with Simon.

Despite their size, the team had strong results in the championships, especially in the pool rescue.

“We got one silver medal and five gold” beamed the masters athletes in unison.  

Thales Cervati was the first athlete to win a medal at the 2024 World Championships for Brazil, taking home the gold in the 40-44 Men 100m Manikin Tow with Fins.

The team have loved being in Australia at the championships. “It is so beautiful how Australian’s live here, the lifestyle, the love of Surf Lifesaving”.