Rafael Brandão announced this Sunday (17) that, in the coming months, he will take a hiatus in his career. Through a publication made on his social media profile, the Brazilian bodybuilder said that he will step away from competitions so that he can present notable improvements in his physique in the future. “I’m going to take a break to have a good off-season and then return to the game with a new and bigger set,” he wrote.
The decision comes one day after Brandão placed sixth at the Pittsburgh Pro – a result below expectations, considering that, at the time, he was surpassed by four athletes he had previously beaten (Michal Križo, Tonio Burton, Brandon Curry and Blessing Awodibu).
In addition to his placement in Pittsburgh, the athlete achieved a top 3 finish at the New York Pro, which took place last weekend, and a top 6 finish at the Arnold Classic Ohio, which took place in April. In the three competitions held this season, fans and experts expected the Brazilian to reach better positions.
“In the last years of my career, I experienced a trajectory of constant evolution, competing and going head-to-head with the best athletes in the world in the Open category. But, this time, it wasn’t like that. And I recognize that. Right now, I need a break to get back to the level I was at and go further”, highlights the text posted by Brandão.
He even says that he could, hypothetically, continue seeking competitions throughout the season and, eventually, qualify for this year’s edition of the Olympia. However, he would not have a better physique than his 2024 version – when he was the eighth best Open on the planet.
“I could continue competing and winning the spot, as I have done in recent years, but I don’t want to go on stage again without presenting the physical evolution that I know I can show”, he concludes.
Last season, health problems prevented Brandão from competing at the Olympia. In other words, this will be the second year in a row that he will not participate in the most important bodybuilding championship in the world. Currently, the athlete is coached by Marcello “Tchellow” Alfonsi and is coached by Leonardo Gramkow.
See Brandão’s text in full:
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