Hakelly de Souza: Brazil’s Phenomenal Young Sprint Star

Hakelly de Souza Maximiano da Silva is one of Brazil’s most exciting young track and field talents, a 16-year-old sprinter from Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, who has taken Brazilian athletics by storm. With 12 Brazilian national titles across youth categories, a South American U18 record, and dreams of Olympic glory, Hakelly represents the future of Brazilian sprinting. Discovered in physical education classes at her public school, she has rapidly ascended from complete beginner to national phenomenon in just three years, earning the nickname “Voa Menina” (Fly Girl) for her explosive performances on the track.

Track and Field Accomplishments

Personal Bests and Record-Breaking Performances

Sprint Personal Bests:

• 100 meters: 11.37 seconds – South American U18 record set at the 2025 Troféu Brasil de Atletismo
• 200 meters: 23.71 seconds – Personal best achieved competing against senior athletes at age 15
• 400 meters: 1:00.6 (hand-timed)

Record-Breaking Achievement:

• Set the South American U18 record in the 100 meters at the prestigious Troféu Brasil competition
• Broke her own personal best twice in the same competition, showing remarkable ability to perform under pressure
• Personal bests demonstrate world-class potential for her age group

National Championship Dominance

Hakelly has established herself as the most dominant young sprinter in Brazil with an unprecedented collection of titles:

Brazilian National Titles (12 total across categories):

2025 Season:

• Brazilian U18 Champion – 100 meters
• Brazilian U18 Champion – 200 meters
• Brazilian U20 Champion – 100 meters
• Brazilian U20 Champion – 200 meters
• Brazilian U23 Vice-Champion (Silver) – 200 meters (competing against Olympic-bound athletes at age 16)
• Ibero-American U18 Champion – 100 meters
• Ibero-American U18 Champion – 200 meters

2024 Season:

• Brazilian U18 Champion – 100 meters (11.87 seconds with -1.3 m/s wind)
• Brazilian U20 Champion – 100 meters (12.08 seconds)
• Brazilian U20 Champion – 200 meters (24.33 seconds)
• Brazilian U18 Champion – 200 meters (2023)

Relay Success:

• Multiple relay gold medals in 4x100m at national and regional championships
• Key member of relay teams representing both her club and the state of Rio de Janeiro

Youth Games Excellence

Jogos da Juventude (Brazilian Youth Games):

2024 (João Pessoa, Paraíba):

• Gold medal – 100 meters (11.87 seconds)
• Gold medal – 4x100m relay
• Competed in 200 meters seeking to break national record

2023 (Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo):

• Gold medal – 100 meters
• Gold medal – 200 meters
• Became the youngest champion in athletics history at the Brazilian Youth Games at age 14
• Only her fifth official competition in track and field
• Set personal bests in both events

International Competition

South American U20 Championships (Lima, Peru – 2024):

• Gold medal – 4x100m relay (46.15 seconds)
• Anchored the Brazilian relay team with a dramatic come-from-behind victory, overtaking Chile in the final meters
• Competed alongside Beatriz Camargo, Vanessa Sena, and Pietra Campbell

World U20 Championships (Lima, Peru – 2024):

• Represented Brazil at the premier youth athletics championship
• Gained valuable international experience competing against the world’s best young sprinters

Gymnasiade (World School Games) (Bahrain – 2024):

• Represented Brazil at the international school sports competition
• Competed in multiple sprint events

South American U18 Championships (Argentina – December 2024):

• Selected to represent Brazil

South American U23 Championships (Colombia):

• Competed against senior-level athletes despite being only 15/16 years old
• Demonstrated ability to compete at elite levels beyond her age category

Elite Competition Against Senior Athletes

At just 15-16 years old, Hakelly has proven capable of competing against Brazil’s best senior sprinters:

Troféu Brasil 2024:

• Qualified for the 200-meter final at Brazil’s premier athletics competition
• Finished 2nd in the semifinals, advancing to compete against Olympic-bound athletes
• At age 15, competed successfully in Brazil’s Olympic Trials event

Brazilian U23 Championships:

• Vice-champion (Silver medal) in the 200 meters
• Competed against and defeated athletes 5-7 years older
• Coach noted this was “a historic mark in my life, with only 15 years”

Discovery and Early Development

From School to National Stage

Hakelly’s journey to athletic stardom began in the most unlikely of places—physical education classes at her public school in Macaé:

Initial Discovery (2022):

• Discovered by her physical education teacher at CIEP 455 Maringá in Macaé, Rio de Janeiro
• Showed exceptional natural speed and athletic ability in school activities
• Began training with coach Hiller Franco Entringer in 2022

Rapid Progression:

• 2022: Started formal athletics training (age 13-14)
• 2023: Won first national titles at Brazilian Youth Games (age 14) – only her fifth official competition
• 2024: Became national champion across U18, U20, and podium finisher at U23 level (age 15)
• 2025: Set South American records and continued dominance (age 16)

This remarkably rapid progression from complete beginner to international-level athlete in just three years is virtually unprecedented in Brazilian athletics.

Training Environment and Challenges

AECD – Social Project Foundation

Hakelly competes for the Associação Esportiva Cidadania e Dignidade (AECD-Macaé), a social project that serves dual purposes:

• Sports Development: Provides athletics training and competition opportunities for youth
• Social Mission: Offers after-school programming promoting citizenship and dignity through sport
• Grassroots Foundation: Specializes in youth development and serves as a pipeline for Brazilian national teams
• Founded and directed by Coach Hiller Franco Entringer

Training Under Challenging Conditions

Despite her extraordinary success, Hakelly trains under conditions far from ideal:

Facility Limitations:

• Macaé has only one athletics track, which is smaller than regulation size
• Primary training location: The beach boardwalk (calçadão) in Macaé
• Uses the school facilities at CIEP 455 Maringá
• Lacks access to a full-size, proper athletics facility

Overcoming Obstacles:

• Despite training on a beach boardwalk rather than a professional track, has achieved South American records
• Demonstrates that talent, dedication, and quality coaching can overcome infrastructure limitations
• Coach Hiller notes: “She is different and when she enters the track she transforms, she flies”

Support System:

• Receives support from the municipal government of Macaé
• Benefits from the Brazilian Athletics Confederation’s development programs
• Has garnered attention from national athletics leadership

Coach Hiller Franco Entringer

Hakelly’s coach has been instrumental in her rapid development:

• Discovered Hakelly in school physical education classes
• Specializes in youth athletics development through the AECD project
• Known for creative training approaches that work around infrastructure limitations
• Credited with creating the “Voa Menina” (Fly Girl) mantra that has become Hakelly’s signature
• Accompanies Hakelly to all major competitions and international events

Signature Celebration and Personal Style

“Voa Menina” – The Flying Girl

Hakelly has become instantly recognizable for her unique celebration style:

Signature Celebration:

• Arms spread wide like wings, “beating wings after the flight”
• Originated in 2023 when coach Hiller told her “fly, girl” before a race
• Has become her trademark at every victory
• Represents her explosive speed and soaring ambitions

Distinctive Appearance:

• Often competes with tranças nagôs (traditional African braids/cornrows)
• Creates different hairstyles for important competitions
• Describes herself as “vaidosa” (fashion-conscious/stylish)
• Projects confidence and joy in competition

Media Presence:

• Natural and comfortable giving interviews despite young age
• Described as having a “wide smile” and exuding “charisma and competence”
• Unfazed by expectations and favorite status
• Genuine enthusiasm for the sport shines through in all interactions

Career Aspirations and Olympic Dreams

Long-Term Olympic Vision

Hakelly has clearly defined goals that drive her daily training:

Olympic Ambitions:

• 2028 Los Angeles Olympics: Goal to compete (would be 19 years old)
• 2032 Brisbane Olympics: Goal to win a medal for Brazil (would be 23 years old)

Historic Mission:

• Aims to become Brazil’s first individual Olympic medalist in the 100m or 200m
• Currently, Brazil’s only Olympic medal in women’s track sprints is the bronze medal in the 4x100m relay at Beijing 2008
• “My dream is to participate in the 2028 Olympics and in 2032 return with a medal for Brazil. It’s a dream that Brazil has always had to have a medal in the 100m and 200m. And I believe this is possible. Nothing is impossible for me.”

Immediate Goals

2025-2026 Targets:

• Breaking the Brazilian U20 record in 200 meters
• Continuing to lower her 100-meter times toward the 11-second barrier
• Competing at South American Championships at multiple age levels
• Maintaining dominance across U18, U20, and competing successfully at U23 level

Philosophy:

• “I see myself as a high-performance athlete”
• “Everyone says I’m a phenomenon, but I see myself just wanting more, to go beyond”
• “You have to have focus, determination and go after it”
• “It’s not just talent that wins, you have to have focus and determination, always thinking bigger”

Education and Personal Background

Academic Life

Current Education:

• Student at CIEP 455 Maringá in Macaé, Rio de Janeiro
• Balances rigorous training schedule with school commitments
• Participates in after-school athletics program through AECD

Hometown:

• Macaé, a coastal city in Rio de Janeiro state
• Known for oil industry but lacks world-class athletics infrastructure
• Hakelly remains connected to her community and trains locally despite limited facilities

Personal Qualities and Character

Those who know Hakelly describe her as:

Disciplined and Dedicated:

• Extremely committed to daily training despite challenging conditions
• Maintains focus during intense competition schedules with little rest
• “In 2024 I competed from May without stopping, without rest, without vacation”

Confident Yet Humble:

• Comfortable with favorite status but doesn’t let it create pressure
• Grateful for support from coach, school, and community
• “I’ll continue thanking my coach, Hiller, who is with me always”

Resilient:

• Overcomes injuries and setbacks quickly
• Competed successfully after recovering from back injury with intensive physiotherapy
• Has competed through illness and other challenges

Transformative Competitor:

• Coach notes she “transforms” when entering the track
• Performs best under pressure in major competitions
• Repeatedly sets personal bests at championship events

Recognition and National Attention

Brazilian Athletics Federation Support

Wlamir Motta Campos, President of the Brazilian Athletics Confederation (CBAt):

• Called Hakelly “a rough diamond that must be worked”
• Personally attended her competitions and presentations
• Confederation investing in her development as future Olympic prospect

Media Coverage

Hakelly has become one of Brazilian athletics’ most covered young athletes:

• Featured in major Brazilian sports media outlets
• Subject of profile pieces highlighting her rapid ascent
• Recognized as potential future Olympic medalist
• Called “phenomenon” and “new star of Brazilian sprinting”

The Historic Context

Filling a Gap in Brazilian Athletics

Brazil has historically struggled to produce Olympic-level female sprinters:

• Only Olympic medal: Bronze in 4x100m relay (Beijing 2008)
• No individual Olympic medals in women’s 100m or 200m in history
• Hakelly represents Brazil’s best hope in decades to change this record

Comparison to Brazilian Sprint History

Brazil has produced some accomplished sprinters, but none who have achieved Olympic podiums in individual sprint events. Hakelly’s trajectory at age 16 surpasses the development curve of previous Brazilian sprint prospects, making her the nation’s most promising sprinter in a generation.

2024-2025: A Phenomenal Season

The 2024-2025 season demonstrated Hakelly’s exceptional abilities:

Competing Without Rest

From May 2024 through the season:

• Competed continuously without breaks or vacations
• Won championships at U18, U20, and U23 levels
• Represented Brazil at multiple international competitions
• Maintained high performance levels despite demanding schedule

Multiple Competitions in Short Time Frame

Major Events in Single Season:

• Jogos da Juventude (Brazilian Youth Games)
• Brazilian U18 Championships
• Brazilian U20 Championships
• Brazilian U23 Championships
• Troféu Brasil (Brazil’s Olympic Trials)
• Ibero-American U18 Championships
• South American U20 Championships
• World U20 Championships
• Gymnasiade (World School Games)
• South American U18 Championships

This schedule would challenge even experienced senior athletes, yet Hakelly excelled throughout.

Impact on Macaé and Rio de Janeiro

Regional Pride

Hakelly has become a source of tremendous pride for her city and state:

• First athlete from Macaé to achieve national prominence in athletics
• Represents Rio de Janeiro state at national competitions
• Inspires other young athletes in Macaé and surrounding region
• Proves that world-class athletes can emerge from cities without elite facilities

AECD Project Validation

Her success validates the social project model:

• Demonstrates effectiveness of after-school athletics programs
• Shows that grassroots, community-based programs can produce elite athletes
• Attracts attention and potentially more support for the AECD project
• Provides blueprint for other communities to develop athletic talent

Looking Forward

At just 16 years old with three years of training, Hakelly de Souza stands at the beginning of what could be an extraordinary career:

Immediate Future (2025-2026):

• Continued development in U18 and U20 categories
• Potential to lower personal bests significantly
• Building toward senior-level competition
• Gaining international experience

Medium Term (2026-2028):

• Transition to senior competition
• Potential Olympic qualification for Los Angeles 2028
• Development into Brazil’s top sprinter
• International Diamond League and World Championship experience

Long Term (2028-2032):

• Olympic competition and medal pursuit
• Potential to become Brazil’s first individual Olympic sprint medalist
• Legacy as one of Brazil’s greatest sprinters
• Inspiration for future generations

Personal Philosophy and Motivation

Hakelly’s approach to her sport reflects maturity beyond her years:

On Expectations:

• “I see myself as a high-performance athlete and everyone says I’m a phenomenon, but I see myself just wanting more, to go beyond”

On Competition:

• “Competing with girls like Vanessa Sena and Larissa, it’s exciting to be competing with them. I dream of improving more and more, it’s never good enough”

On Overcoming Challenges:

• “Nothing is impossible for me”
• “You have to have focus and determination, always thinking bigger”

On Gratitude:

• “Even being far away, going to other places, I will continue thanking my coach, Hiller, who is with me always”
• Always acknowledges support from school, coach, and community

Legacy in the Making

Hakelly de Souza Maximiano da Silva represents more than just fast times and gold medals—she embodies the potential of Brazilian athletics to overcome infrastructure limitations through talent, dedication, and quality coaching. Her journey from a schoolgirl in Macaé to South American record holder and Brazil’s hope for Olympic glory demonstrates that champions can emerge from anywhere when given opportunity and support.

As she continues to develop, “Voa Menina” flies higher with each competition, carrying the dreams of a nation that has long sought an individual sprint champion. With arms spread wide in her signature celebration, Hakelly soars toward a future that promises to rewrite Brazilian athletics history.

Go Hakelly!