Sunday, July 01, 2012

Brazilian Pole Vaulter: Fábio Gomes da Silva

Fábio Gomes da Silva is the Brazilian Pole Vaulter representing Brazil in the London Olympics (that isn't a typo - we will revisit an American Pole Vaulter representing Brazil later in this post).
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Fabio  was 8th in the last world championships in 2011.  He is a favorite of the Brazilians with his warm smile and easy attitude.
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And, I love the outfit.

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As to the "other Brazilian Pole Vaulter" we all know... well, we all knew and loved? Tommy Hintinaus.  Who?, say you. Tommy Hintinaus say I.
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In 1980 the young Southern Californian vaulted for Brazil - where he was born - so he could compete in the Moscow Games.  In 1984, since he had already competed for Brazil, he represented them at the Los Angeles Games, which was his hometown.
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Yes it was on the streets of LA (Sunset Plaza - actually) where a young Mr. Hintnaus caught the eye of Bruce Webber.  Only to be plastered in New York Times - and hidden in the books of young gay boys everywhere.
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I actually played basketball against Mr. Hitinaus years later at the Manhattan Beach Spectrum Club gym.  He had a rock hard ass and a reputation for sleeping with so many girls that all the beach volleyball players at the gym refused to introduce him to their sisters or girlfriends.
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And no, not airbrushed.