2016-04-26 16:58:00 CEST
Big serving and big smiling Brazilian in the spotlight
At 6ft 11in tall Evandro Gonçalves is one of the tallest players on the tour (here at the Swatch Beach Volleyball FIVB World Tour Finals in Fortlauderdale in 2015). Photo credit: Andreas Langreiter.
He dwarfs his opponents on court and sends them into submission with his super-sonic serves and scorching spikes.
Any ideas who today’s Tuesday Talent is?
Last year he struck gold at the Stavanger Major and then went on to pick up a bronze one to add to his collection at the Swatch Beach Volleyball FIVB World Tour Finals in Fort Lauderdale.
Of course we’re talking about the brilliant Brazilian, the Big Friendly Giant, Evandro Gonçalves!
In case you’ve been orbiting the earth or living in a cave for the past four years you’ll know that this summer is very, VERY important to Evandro. If we told you his hometown was Rio de Janiero then we’re sure you’ll get the picture…
To represent your country at the Olympic Games is a once in a lifetime dream for any athlete but when your office for the day is the Copacabana – your ‘home’ beach – then that’s an occasion you simply cannot afford to miss out on.
And with the world at his fingertips at just 25 years old, Evandro, together with partner Pedro Solberg, is hell-bent on winning a medal at a Games that are pretty much taking place on his doorstep.
Voted the FIVB’s Best Server in 2015 the towering Brazilian is well on his way to realizing a childhood dream – but first he and Solberg need to prepare for the battles that lie ahead.
This week the stinging serve of Gonçalves and the brave blocking of Solberg will be flaunted at the Fortaleza Open as the pair eye gold on home sand before the Games begins in 100 days time.
But while no place on the podium has been assured just yet, you can bet your bottom dollar they’ll be an avalanche of aces in Fortaleza this week. And, if you can stand on your tip-toes high enough to look Evandro in the eye, don’t be surprised to see the Olympic flame flickering back at you.
A focused Gonçalves prepares to serve at last year’s Swatch Beach Volleyball FIVB World Tour Final in Fort Lauderdale. Photo credit: Andrea Langreiter/Red Bull Photo Pool.