About Silvia & Rafa

Silvia Ribeiro and Rafa Goncalves were both born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The duo have both been passionate about sports from a very young age, the sport of swimming in particular.

Silvia began swimming at the age of 5 and was also active in ballet, gymnastics, and eventually went on to play 6 years of professional volleyball. While going to college in Sao Paolo, Brazil her modelling career also began to take off. While modelling internationally she became passionate about running and found an interest in cycling. She is an all around athlete and eventually found her ultimate passion… triathlons. Though she has competed in multiple Ironman triathlons her favorite competition is the half Iron distance where she has had her best results.

Rafa took up swimming at the age of 4 and never looked back, he never took no as an answer and excelled in swimming throughout his childhood overcoming many obstacles. He was a part of the Brazilian national swim team for 10 years and went on to be a part of the bid committee that brought the olympics to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016. Rafa began competing in triathlons in 2009, and found his niche in the sport. Shortly after competing in his third Ironman competition, he found out that he had cancer. Catching the disease early, Rafa was able to have surgery and make a complete recovery. This was the largest obstacle he’d ever have to overcome and he used it as a catalyst for change. Less than a month after his surgery he was competing in yet another triathlon.

Silvia and Rafa moved to the United States from Brazil so that they could pursue their dreams of becoming professional triathletes. They are frequently competing and the two live life to the fullest and rarely let a day go by without an adventure.