The opposite Tandara Caixeta, 37, Olympic champion at the London Games in 2012, announced this Monday (2) her retirement from volleyball.
Away from the courts since 2021, when she was suspended for doping during the Tokyo Olympics, the player stated that the time without acting was like “dying a little” and that’s why she decided to end her career as an athlete.
Initially, she would have to complete the sentence until May this year, but the period was extended until July 2027 after she failed to comply with the punishment imposed by the ABCD (Brazilian Doping Control Authority). The athlete was again punished for playing and winning the Brazilian Master, held in May 2025.
The tournament played by Tandara is one of the most traditional in the country when it comes to amateur athletes and is organized by the National Sports Association.
Despite leaving the court, she stated that she will continue to participate in the sport in a “different way”, without giving details.
“I hope to inspire young athletes and share a little of my experience and love for volleyball!”, he said.
See the note released by Tandara
Dear friends, colleagues and volleyball lovers.
Today, I come in search of words that can express the immensity of the feelings that well up in my heart. After years dedicated to this beautiful and passionate sport, the time has come to say goodbye to the courts that saw me grow, fight and conquer.
Throughout my career, I had the honor of representing Brazil in several competitions, wearing the national team’s shirt and contributing to the sport I love. These were years of hard work, sweat, emotions and, most importantly, friendships that I will cherish for life. Each victory was a reflection of collective effort, each defeat, a lesson learned.
I want to sincerely thank everyone who was part of this journey. To my family, who always supported me unconditionally; to the coaches who guided and encouraged me to follow my dreams; to my teammates, and to all the fans, who always believed in me and my achievements.
As I close this chapter of my life, I take with me memories that will forever be etched in my heart. I’m looking forward to new challenges and the opportunity to continue contributing to the sport, now in a different way. I hope to inspire young athletes and share some of my experience and love for volleyball.
Overcoming 8 years and still continuing seems so far and impossible, every day is like dying a little bit. I believe that the bonds I built here will not be broken, and I will always be available to volleyball and everyone who wants to follow this path.
Thank you for everything!
