FLAMENGO'S YOUNG SWIMMERS TAKE VICTORY LAP AT MARACANÃ

Monday night (26/10) proved unforgettable for 31 members of Flamengo's youth swimming squad. Fresh from claiming the Southeast Swimming Championship title, the young athletes took a lap around the Maracanã pitch, hoisting the trophy they'd won in Vitória, Espírito Santo. The swimmers, aged between 8 and 10, topped the overall standings with 911.50 points in October's competition.

The victory lap honoured the year-long dedication of the youth programme and gave the athletes a chance to celebrate their achievement on one of Brazil's most hallowed sporting grounds. Coach Gislaine Gonçalves emphasises that the youth category demands far more than pool performance alone. "With our young swimmers, we need to build confidence, independence, discipline and, most importantly, a genuine love for the sport," she explains. "This is an experience they'll carry with them for life—being here, representing the club, after a victory like this."

Swimming coordinator Gabriella Oliveira stresses that the gesture deepens the athletes' bond with Flamengo. "They gain a real sense of belonging and realise they're part of the club's swimming legacy." She also notes that such recognition strengthens team cohesion and teaches young swimmers how individual effort feeds into collective success.

The moment held extra poignancy for Alice Miranda Barbosa, for whom the Maracanã lap marked her first-ever visit to the venue. Her mother, Marcela Miranda, witnessed something profound that night. "It was overwhelming—pride, emotion, joy all at once. A chance to celebrate what they'd achieved, to strengthen friendships, and to give meaning to every ounce of effort and dedication they've poured in," she says.

The ceremony took place the same evening Flamengo defeated Atlético-MG 3-2 in the 32nd round of the Brazilian Championship.