João Batista dos Reis, a 74-year-old athlete from Descalvado, São Paulo, has dedicated his life to running, exemplified by the collection of 200 medals and trophies he has achieved throughout his athletic career. Training five times a week, João participates in numerous competitions; notably, he took part in 17 events last year alone, showcasing both his speed and endurance. For him, each medal represents not just a victory on the track but also a celebration of the effort and sweat he has invested in his passion.

Over the last 24 years, João has embraced the philosophy of transforming hard work into accomplishment. In 2018, he particularly noted that the journey was not only about crossing finish lines but also about the personal growth involved in completing ten races from month to month. His dedication has led him to the podium many times, where he finds joy in the recognition and anticipation of future races, as he stated, "I feel happy because we train for this, so when we are called to the podium, the happiness increases even more, and you start thinking about the next race."

João's story is further enriched by the symbolism of his medals, which form the word "superação" (overcoming), visually representing his journey in athletics. Alongside these experiences, he has also received honors, such as a citizen honorary plaque, evidencing his impact both on the athletics community and in his local community. His childhood in Monte Bello, MG, has played a significant role in shaping his endurance and love for long distances, making his achievements even more poignant as he continues to inspire others.