...My Athletic Heroes... 

 
Secco & Alicia Jones at RAAM 1997 Finish Line
Savannah, Georgia

Jose' Carlos Secco/Team Brazil   
I had the privilege of acting as the team manager and fitness consultant for Team Brazil in the 1997 Race Across America/RAAM Cycling Event.  I had competed and  won two Team RAAMs and had numerous other athletic accomplishments on my resume', but Secco taught me more about racing in a week than I learned in the first two RAAMs!  I am still in awe over his physical, mental, and spiritual prowess.  In Brazil they have a special word for what filled Secco's body, mind, and soul--it's called "garra."  Garra is translated from Portuguese to mean "the spirit and passion one has to compete without reservation."  The final day of RAAM, Team Brazil was in third place with no chance for second and Team Canada trailing comfortably by hours--Secco never quit, never lost focus, never lost intensity or control--and never lost his garra.  The crew members, US and Brazilians alike, were truly proud of this man of honor.  His efforts in the spirit of athletic competition are equal to the ancient Greek Olympians' arete' that strove for excellence in every competition and quest for victory.  To compete without athletic honor--is complete dishonor.  Secco was "The Man" in the 1997 Team RAAM, and I will never forget it.  Viva Garra and my good friend Jose' Carlos Secco!

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(Updated 9-3-03)

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