Guilherme Tâmega has announced his retirement from the professional bodyboarding world tour.
He's one of the legends of the sport. For more than two decades, Tâmega competed at the world's most challenging events.
He won six world titles and inspired riders, not only from Brazil but from all corners of the globe. Now, he is ready to hang his fins.
"I do not plan to compete in the tour. Today, I've got my own bodyboard brand, and I am fully dedicated to it," Tâmega told Globo Esporte.
"I draw the lines, but I don't shape them. If I'm not in it to win, it doesn't matter. My biggest dream now is to watch my kids and my brand do good."
Guilherme Tâmega was born on September 3, 1972, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
At only 13, armed with a Morey Boogie 139, he stood out by reaching the final of the bodyboarding event held at Itacoatiara.
One year later, in 1986, he already had sponsors chasing him.
Style and Attitude
After winning several national and international events, breaking a leg, and riding giant barreling waves, Tâmega conquered his first International Morey Boogie Bodyboard Pro Championships in 1994.
His style, his fearless attitude, and his unique charisma made him a national idol.
At 16, "GT" was already a professional athlete and had already tasted the mighty waves of Oahu's North Shore. Mike Stewart was his inspiration.
"Mike was my biggest rival, not only in the water but out of the water, too. I wanted to beat him more than anything. We got along well, but when we went against each other, sparks just flew," Tâmega once said.
Between 1995 and 1997, the Brazilian would steal three titles in the newly-founded Global Organization of Bodyboarders (GOB) World Tour.
The 1990s were definitely his decade, but he would add two world trophies to his living room in 2002 and 2003, right before the IBA World Tour era.
"I know some people don't care about second places, but I do. It's still very hard to be there and get that close to winning; it's still an accomplishment," added the Brazilian.
His track record is absolutely impressive: Guilherme Tâmega won six world titles, collected six runner-up finishes, and was crowned ISA World Bodyboarding Games champion twice.
Tamega has not specified if he will simply abandon the competition scene or if he will make occasional appearances in selected events.
The man who rode his Wave Rebel bodyboard to glory will now prepare future champions through his trademark GT Boards.