For Brazilian lifesaver Thaís Xavier, the Lifesaving World Championships 2026 will provide another opportunity to represent her country on the international stage, as she looks to build on her previous World Championship experiences and continue developing as an athlete.
Based in Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, Xavier first became involved in lifesaving in 2017 when she joined the Brazilian Navy. Since then, she has developed a passion for the sport, collecting medals, making lifelong connections and discovering the impact lifesaving can have both in competition and in the community.
A pool specialist, Xavier will be competing in the 100m Rescue Medley with Fins, her strongest individual event, while also looking forward to representing Brazil in the relays.
We caught up with Thaís to find out more about her lifesaving journey, preparation and what she is looking forward to most at LWC2026.
What does being selected for the Lifesaving World Championships 2026 mean to you personally?
It’s always a pleasure to represent my country once again at a Lifesaving World Championships. My first one was in 2022 and it was amazing. I also competed on the Gold Coast in 2024.
With every World Championships, I learn a lot and improve my skills as both an athlete and a person.
Can you share a bit about your background in lifesaving and how you first got involved in the sport?
I started lifesaving in 2017 when I joined the Brazilian Navy. I fell in love with the sport from day one, mainly because of its mission to prevent drowning and save lives, but also because of the adrenaline of the races!
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to win several medals, meet wonderful people and make unforgettable memories.
Who has had the biggest influence on your lifesaving career, and in what way?
It’s difficult to name just one person, as I’ve had many influences and inspirations throughout my years in lifesaving sport.
I would especially like to thank the Brazilian Navy for giving me the opportunity to get involved in the sport, as well as the lifeguards from Rio de Janeiro who have taught me so much.
I’m also grateful to SOBRASA and the Civilian Defense of Maricá, my city, for all their support.
Can you give us an insight into your preparation or training leading into Worlds? What does a typical week look like for you?
Nowadays, I have to balance work and training, so I do my best to organise my time in a way that allows me to continue performing at my best.
As a pool specialist, my training includes four pool sessions, one sea session and three gym sessions each week.
Which events will you be competing in, and what are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to the 100m Rescue Medley with Fins, which is my best individual event.
I’m also really happy that Brazil is entering the relays at this World Championships. It’s going to be amazing!
What are your expectations for the competition?
I’m looking forward to enjoying every minute and every race.
Of course, I’m hoping to improve my personal best times and contribute to Brazil having its best campaign yet. But I’m also really excited to share good times and experiences with people from all around the world. For me, that’s the most important part of it all.
What’s one thing you’d like people to know about you, either as an athlete or outside the sport?
Today, I also work as a coach, both in the pool and in the sea. My mission is to use sport as a tool to change lives, in the same way that sport changed mine!