04/18/2026
I usually post handball clips here to promote the sport I love, to show that experience matters, and that if you put in the work, it makes a difference.
But today is different.
Today I want to share this in memory of a true legend of sports, especially in Brazil but recognized worldwide, Oscar Schmidt.
I had the chance to meet him back in 2012 at the London 2012 Olympics. Like everyone, I recognized him right away. You don’t miss someone like that.
I asked for a picture, and in that moment he asked me something simple:
“Are you in sports too?”
I told him I play handball, and even said it’s not as well known as basketball.
He looked at me and said:
“Handball is the number one sport in schools in Brazil.”
That actually made me stop and think. I had even forgotten that. I started playing handball at 9 years old in school, and then moved up through university and into the high level in Brazil. But it’s true, handball is played in schools all over the country. Almost every school has a court, and there are many competitions. Soccer may be the most popular sport in Brazil, but in schools, handball is the one that’s played. That was a great reminder from him.
That stayed with me. A Hall of Famer, one of the greatest, taking a moment to respect another sport, with real humility.
Years later, while we were working to promote beach handball for the Paris 2024 Olympics, I reached out to him. Without hesitation, he said yes and recorded a video for us. That says everything about who he was.
I’m sharing that video again today.
I’m also sharing a clip from his Hall of Fame speech. He had already been diagnosed with brain cancer at the time, and still delivered one of the most powerful and honest speeches I’ve seen. I’ve shared it privately with close friends before, but now I want to share it here. Some of you may have seen it already, if not, I recommend taking a moment to watch it.
Both videos are in this post.
Thank you for the inspiration, the humility, and the example you set.
Rest in peace.
