Zé Roberto says that the international volleyball calendar harms maternity planning

The coach of the women's volleyball team, José Roberto Guimarães, criticized the new format of the sport's international calendar. With the World Cup now being held every two years, there are no break windows in the Olympic cycle, which, in the coach's view, especially harms women.

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In the experience of Zé Roberto, who has led the women's team for more than 20 years, the break in the post-Olympic year is crucial in the planning of athletes who want to experience motherhood and return to high performance. The coach discussed the topic last Tuesday (17), during the III Women in Sports Forum, held by the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB), in Brasília.

— It was a very interesting year, where everything was a fresh start or the beginning of everything, but now one thing is connected to another. Everyone wants to win, everyone wants to deliver results, but we also have to think about human beings. You lose players in this very important period – he assessed.

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The Olympic cycle calendar up to the Los Angeles Games began with the World Cup in Thailand, in 2025. In 2026, the continental national team tournaments will be played and, for 2027, the World Cup is planned, which will now be called the World Cup. Furthermore, the Nations League (VNL) continues to be played annually.

— I think this competition system should be debated again, to better adjust the calendar and give the opportunity for this to happen, so they can opt for a more sabbatical year. Of course, there are sponsors, so it's a difficult puzzle to adjust, but it has to be thought about, year by year – he concluded.

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Team seeks Olympic berth in 2026

The Brazilian team's first commitment in 2026 is the VNL, starting on June 3rd. In September, Brazil begins the race for the Los Angeles Games with the South American Championships which, from now on, will guarantee an Olympic place for the continental champion.

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