Our tribute to Marcio Arango

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Marcio Arango’s swansong on the sand takes place in his home city of Fortaleza this week. Photo credit: FIVB.

“Beach volleyball changed my life.” Now that’s the kind of quote we love to hear in the Swatch Major Series office!

Those wonderful words were uttered by a true star of our sport who is bidding farewell to a fantastic career in the game in Fortaleza this week.

Marcio Aranjo is 42. The Brazilian is a national treasure on the sand – an iconic player who holds legendary status and a glittering roll of honor which includes a world championship gold, an Olympic silver and a further 19 gold, 18 silver and 16 bronze medals.

But as Aranjo brings the curtain down on his life in beach volleyball and settles down to admire his haul of precious metals, he paid tribute to the game which has made him a household name and a hero in his home country.

“Beach volleyball changed my life,” he told the FIVB website. “Through it I had the opportunity to experience different cultures, visit many other countries, places that I only went to because I am a world class athlete. I've met many amazing people. It made me stronger psychologically.

“Another important aspect are the achievements in my personal life, like being from Fortaleza, yet years later I was in the Olympics, then a beach volleyball world champion and finally a silver medal in the 2008 Olympics. “I have lived a dream and I am forever grateful.”

Fittingly, his swansong on the sand takes place this week in the city in which it all started for Aranjo 20 years ago – and he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

“This week, in my hometown, is something very special for me, my family and my friends,” he says. “I wouldn’t want to say goodbye to a sport I love so much any place else but here in Fortaleza.”

What a guy!

Obrigado and boa sorte!