At age 14, Tiago and his brother moved to São Paulo to further their training. They joined EC Pinheiros, a prominent club in São Paulo. Under the guidance of coach Renato Dagnino, Tiago honed his skills and prepared for international competitions.

Career Highlights

Tiago achieved a historic feat at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada. He became the first male judoka to win gold at three Pan American Games, following his victories in 2007 and 2011. At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, he aimed to become the first Brazilian judoka to win medals at three Olympic Games. He had previously won bronze in 2008 and silver in 2000.

Challenges and Injuries

Throughout his career, Tiago faced several injuries. In 1999, he suffered a serious knee injury. In 2011, an ankle injury during training forced him to miss the Pan American Championships. Despite these setbacks, he continued to excel in his sport.

Military Service and Community Involvement

In addition to his athletic career, Tiago serves in the Brazilian army. He is part of the Brazilian armed forces high performance athlete programme. In 2012, he founded the Tiago Camilo Institute in São Paulo. The institute aims to provide disadvantaged children with opportunities to improve their lives through sport.

Personal Interests and Inspirations

Outside of judo, Tiago enjoys playing tennis and reading. He admires Brazilian Formula One driver Ayrton Senna. His sporting philosophy is inspired by Muhammad Ali's famous quote: "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Tiago plans to continue contributing to the development of judo and supporting young athletes through his institute. His dedication to both his sport and community remains unwavering.

Tiago Camilo's journey from a young judoka in Bastos to an accomplished athlete on the international stage is a testament to his hard work and resilience. His achievements have not only brought pride to Brazil but also inspired many young athletes worldwide.