Podium Potpourri: Get to Know Brazilian Olympic Medalist Fernando Scheffer
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Swimming World takes a get-to-know-you look with Olympic medalists in our new “Podium Potpourri” series, which began with the February issue (Maggie Mac Neil). Next up is Fernando Scheffer. He is an Olympic medalist from Brazil, claiming the bronze medal in the 200 freestyle in Tokyo.
WHAT IS YOUR PUMP-UP SONG BEFORE YOU GET BEHIND THE BLOCKS?
I don’t listen to music behind the blocks or in the ready room because I like to focus on my thoughts and what I’m feeling, and visualize the perfect race. Visualization is the fastest way for me to activate my emotional and mental capacities to perform well. I need to focus on myself and my race 100% to achieve this.
WAS THERE ANOTHER SPORT YOU PARTICIPATED IN WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER? ANY MEMORIES STAND OUT?
I never really got into other sports when I was a kid, but the closest thing would be riding my bike when I was young! I actually used to ride my bike to practice back in my hometown in Canoas.
WHERE DO YOU KEEP YOUR OLYMPIC MEDAL?
I keep it my sock drawer (haha). I like to keep it in an accessible place so I can look at it and hold it whenever I want…so I can feel again what I felt when I won it. I like doing this because it motivates me to go after that feeling once again.
DESCRIBE THE MOMENT WHEN YOU WERE ON THE PODIUM.
I visualized that moment so many times, but even my own mind couldn’t imagine how powerful that moment would be. In the moment, all I could think about was stretching it out as long as I could because it was so special and powerful. I remember I even threw my cap and goggles to the bottom of the pool after the race ended just so I could stay in the water a bit longer. I just wanted to bask in that moment forever.
On the podium itself, I felt like I was standing next to 210 million Brazilians, and when I saw the flag being raised, I felt my entire body vibrate. I was focused on taking advantage of the moment and being very present. It was very special.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?
Lately, I have spent most of my free time reading and learning how to play the guitar. My favorite book from 2021 was Essentialism by Greg McKeown.
COMPARE YOURSELF TO A SUPERHERO—WHICH ONE AND WHY?
Batman and Spiderman. Batman because he is one of the few superheroes who doesn’t have an inherent super power—but he trained to acquire the skills he has…and Spiderman because he is the most “human” of the superheroes, but he received a gift that he uses in the best way possible for others. I like these things about them.
PRIOR TO THE OLYMPICS, WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER, AND WHY?
The 4×200 freestyle relay world record at the 2018 SCM World Championships. The most interesting thing about this moment is that we surprised the whole world swimming in Lane 7. We didn’t even take a 4×200 team—it was a combination of guys from the national team who stepped up. Also, the second- and third-place teams broke the world record. One week earlier, we actually promised each other we would break that world record!
WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU?
Worlds in Budapest this year!