A farewell and three lessons on how to love what you do
This week, in less than 24 hours, Brazilian sports journalism lost three of its icons: Washington Rodrigues, or Apolinho; Sílvio Luiz; and Antero Greco. Even with all the sadness that surrounds the farewell to these three icons, I find in this farewell an important opportunity to reflect on passion. More specifically, the importance of working with passion. After all, these three communicators not only made history in journalism and entertainment, but made it clear that the love they put into what they did professionally transformed their careers and created eternal and transcendent legacies.
Apolinho, better known in Rio de Janeiro, began his career as a sports reporter and soon made a name for himself as a commentator and presenter. As well as his technical ability, Old Apollo was famous for creating expressions that became part of his vocabulary, such as "chocolate" to describe a win, and the famous "arquibaldos and geraldinos", when referring to the regulars at the old Maracanã. His passion for Flamengo was so intense that on the club's centenary he was invited to become the team's coach. This transition from journalist to coach illustrates his knowledge of sport, but also his unwavering devotion to Flamengo. Leaving the press tribunes for the technical area of the pitch is something that had only been seen before with the also unforgettable João Saldanha.
Silvio Luiz, with his irreverent style and unforgettable catchphrases, revolutionized sports narration. He turned every game into a unique spectacle, with expressions like "By the beard of the prophet!" and "For the love of my little children!". Silvio was not just a narrator; he was a true showman, whose passion for what he did was evident in every broadcast. He broke the mold of serious, somber narration, adding humor and personality, which earned him a special place in the hearts of soccer fans.
Antero Greco also began his career as a field reporter. But when he took over ESPN Brasil's SportCenter news desk alongside Paulo Calçade, he brought good humor and entertainment to the job of reporting the news. Antero and Calçade were known for their witty tirades and moments of contagious laughter, showing that sports journalism could be light and fun without losing its seriousness. This paradigm shift in TV gave strength and inspiration to a new generation of sports journalists who took on entertainment as part of their coverage.
What unites Apolinho, Silvio Luiz and Antero Greco is their passion for what they did. They didn't just stand out for their talent, but also for the deep love they had for their professions. This passion could be seen in every commentary, narration and program they presented. They proved that when you work with love and dedication, the impact is long-lasting and significant.
These three communicators changed sports journalism, but they also inspired new generations to view their work with passion and creativity. Their achievements will continue to influence the way sports journalism is practiced and consumed in Brazil. Today, we see sports programs that incorporate humor and fun, a testament to the lasting impact of Apolinho, Silvio Luiz and Antero Greco.
The lives and careers of these communicators remind us of the importance of finding and following our true passion. This is something that should be practiced by everyone, regardless of their profession. Whether you're a lawyer, an economist, a filmmaker, a hotshot commercial director, a student, a psychologist or an executive at a company in receivership, even in difficult environments, working with joy makes sweat and hard work lighter. The examples these three have left us show that, by loving what you do, you can not only stand out, but also inspire and help people. In a world where work is often seen only as an obligation, the story of these three giants invites us to pursue what we really love, because it is this passion that transforms lives and leaves unforgettable legacies. Today's world demands compliance and committees. Nothing could be more discouraging. Today the idea is to distrust human beings and take away their joy and naturalness. They showed how a happy and light atmosphere is contagious to others.
So if we're saying goodbye to these stars right now, let's also adopt this example. After all, tomorrow we will already have the opportunity to transform a routine and a job into an action that does good for us, our loved ones and everyone.