Caribé and Nicholas Santos star in a duel between generations in the 50m butterfly

The final of the 50m butterfly Maria Lenk Trophyheld this Saturday (23), in Rio de Janeiro, brought together two generations of Brazilian swimming in the same event. On one side, Guilherme Caribé23 years old, the main name in speed in the country today. On the other, Nicholas Santos46, historical reference of the race and return to the pools after retirement. Separated by 23 years, the two now share the same goal: the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

continues after advertising

➡️Caribé aims for world record in the 50m freestyle: 'I want to get it back'

In the water, Caribé came out on top. The swimmer won the 50m butterfly with 23.01, below the 23.12 required for the Pan-Pacificin Irvine, in the United States. Nicholas finished second, in 23s19.

From idol to opponent

More than a fight for a medal, the event symbolized a meeting between the past, present and future of Brazilian swimming. Caribé grew up watching Nicholas compete and now shares the same pool as the veteran:

continues after advertising

— I watched Nicholas compete a lot. I was rooting for him a lot. Having him back now will be sensational. For sure, we will be together in big competitions. It will be very special to hear a little about everything he has experienced, his experiences. I believe that we will help each other a lot on this new journey — said Caribé.

The swimmer also highlighted the importance of interacting with more experienced athletes in this new Olympic cycle:

— I'm very happy to have these older people returning to the pools. People my age have a lot to learn from them,” he said.

continues after advertising

➡️ With Olympic swimmers, Maria Lenk Trophy will be selective for three competitions

Los Angeles 2028 no horizon

The inclusion of the 50m butterfly in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic program brought the two swimmers even closer together. The event, which marked Nicholas Santos' career over the last few years, began to gain even more relevance in Caribé's planning.

— The 50m butterfly is on my radar, especially now that they have entered the Olympic Games and having Nicholas as a friend and mentor swimming this event too — declared the young swimmer.

The exchange between experience and youth

For Nicholas Santos, the age difference no longer matters when it comes to evolution within the sport. At 46 years old, the veteran sees coexistence with younger athletes as a constant exchange:

— I'm 46 years old, but the feeling of competing with athletes half my age is very good. There is an exchange. Everyone helps in whatever way they can.

Nicholas also highlighted the importance of contributing to the growth of the new generation of Brazilian swimming:

— Caribé is already one of the biggest names in Brazil and the world. Being able to contribute to these athletes is very important. We grow together, regardless of age.

+Bet on your favorite athlete to win
*You must be over 18 years old to participate in any gambling activity. Play responsibly.