It was one of the most memorable moments of 2019’s Worlds–Joao Miyao finally at center podium, gold medal around his neck, twin brother Paulo just below at his side.
The pair have been pulling and rolling to be twin champions for years, even more so since Paulo took the championship in 2015. After this year’s big event, Paulo sat down with Art of Jiu-Jitsu to discuss just how big a deal it was for him to have his twin meet him in the winner’s circle. Spoiler Alert: It’s a really big deal.
“It was devastating to watch him lose when he made it to the semi-finals or finals…for example at the Brazilian Nationals I saw someone pass his guard twice before I got on the mat, and I entered the mat very disoriented,” says Miyao. Paulo ended up losing that match. “It was a very impactful experience for me, because I never thought that would happen to me. Watching him suffer like he suffered after that fight…was a very bitter experience for me.”
Miyao goes on to explain how Joao’s journey has shaped his own.
“I made it my goal for [Joao] to win the title…I wanted him to have the same experience I did in 2015. I don’t think he outshines me or I outshine him, because we’ve always done different things.”
The full interview, which is definitely worth watching, can be found here:
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