Brazilian Gari wins gold at the karate world championship in Europe

What a victory! In the first competition on international soil, street sweeper and athlete Renato Santos – who you saw first hand this month here at Só Notícia Boa – brought home the gold medal from the World Karate Championships (World Karate-Do Alliance – WKA) , which took place in Malta, Europe.

He represented Brazil for the Brazilian National Karate Confederation of Brazil (CNKB) team, in the green and purple category, and also won a silver team trophy and a bronze trophy at the International Open.

“I’m very happy, it’s my first world title and the realization of a big dream, which was to bring victory to Brazil for the Brazilian team abroad”, said Renato Santos in an interview with SNB.

Trajectory of overcoming and dedication

Born in Taguatinga, 26km from Brasília, in the Federal District, Renato Santos, aged 26, began his karate journey less than five years ago, influenced by his cousin who is part of the Brazilian national team.

Despite the financial difficulties, the street cleaner did not give up on his dream and found support in Sustentare Saneamento, the company where he works and the athlete’s official sponsor.

“He is an example of dedication and persistence for all of us. When Renato came to us to report his difficulties with covering the costs of training, registration for championships, tickets, accommodation, food, paid leave from work, uniforms, among others, we decided to support him in whatever was necessary”, said the regional superintendent from Sustentare Saneamento, Rejane Costa.

She also stated that everyone in the company is very happy for Renato’s beautiful victory.

Collection of medals and trophies

Just a few years into his career, Renato Santos has already collected 34 medals and nine trophies.

The call to participate in the Brazilian CNKB Team took place in November last year.

In October 2022, Renato was a gold medalist in the CNKB Brazilian Karate Championship and, last year, he was a bronze medalist in the same tournament.

Currently, he is leader for the second consecutive year in the ranking of his category by the Brasiliense Karate Federation, and vice-leader in the ranking of the Minas Gerais Federation.

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Pulled routine

Renato works as a sweeper, from Monday to Saturday, from 6am to 2:20pm.

As soon as he finishes his shift, he goes to physiotherapy at Vitay Life Saúde, which also sponsors him, and from there he goes to Kotaka Dojo.

Before the sponsorships, Renato trained free of charge at Dojo Iskem Ice, a social project of the Evangelical Christian Church, but the place was recently closed.

But even with his heavy routine, he doesn’t intend to give up his work as a street sweeper.

Next steps

In addition to intensifying his training for future competitions, the world champion wants to study Physical Education and improve his English.

“College will give me knowledge that I can apply to myself and learning English will make it easier in my next international competitions”, commented the athlete.

He also plans to give free karate classes to children in the community.

What a human being! Applause Renato!

The athlete has already won 34 medals and nine trophies. – Photo: Disclosure