When he moved to Orlando, Florida last July, Kaio Valle didn't really know anything about running as a competitive sport. Despite the fact that he had always liked to run, soccer was the only sport offered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where he grew up. Naturally when he came to America the assumption was that he would be a soccer star. That couldn't have been further from the truth, as he showed up for cross country practice on his first day at Windermere Prep. It was there that he developed a dream that is motivating him to become the next Windermere standout.
The transition from Brazil to America wasn't the easiest for Valle, with barriers such as learning English, adjusting to the culture, and seeing the competition side of running for the first time. This is where four time 1A State Champion Franco Martins stepped in. Martins is also Brazilian born, and quickly became a mentor for Valle. "Having Franco on my team my first year in the U.S. was crucial for what I have achieved so far. Being from Brazil as well, Franco has helped me a lot, not only with my running but with the culture shock. He always explains me what the coach wants by helping me with translations or teaching me an exercise he wants us to do. He really is an inspiration to me."
Martins also came from humble beginnings. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Martins moved to the U.S. at the age of 3. He grew up playing a variety of different sports before deciding on the sport that he has become so successful at. "I credit this not only to my parents but the Brazilian culture, I was taught to do what I love and never quit, there were times through the soccer season or tennis season when I did not want to continue playing but that's when my parents made sure that I kept playing until the season ended for me to play something else," said Martins. "I think this certainly helps me in running when hitting those walls and being able to push through them even though it is not necessarily what is most pleasant. I think this is an interesting element of Brazilian culture." It's this Brazilian culture that has forged such a strong bond between the young Valle, and the accomplished senior, Martins.
Valle isn't the only one who benefits positively from this relationship, Martins has also grown from his interaction with the young boy from Rio de Janeiro. "The first week of cross country a little 7th grade boy showed up for practice and I found out he was from Brazil. This excited me because not only would I be able to influence a young runner but he also shared my culture. Over the year and through Cross Country and track season I've gotten to know him a little better and think he has tremendous potential" said Martins. "Being that he is Brazilian I hope that I was able to help him not only with what I know about running and leading by example but as well as helping him get used to the United States. I hope he continues to push and run as motivated as he is now and I have no doubt he will succeed." And succeed he has, Valle has quickly improved into one of the top middle school runners in the entire state. In just his first year of competitive running Valle has posted an FL #7 time of 4:59.10.
This success on the track is only half of the goal for Valle, his other ambition is to one day be an Ivy League student. "I want to one day be able to compete for an Ivy League school. Harvard would definitely be the ultimate dream come true." Valle's mentor knows a thing or two about what it takes to run at an Ivy League school. This year Martins signed his NLI to compete for Brown University in Providence, RI. "Being an athlete at an Ivy League school was always a cool thought to me and that is how my recruiting process began," said Martins "but as I got deeper and began asking why I wanted to go somewhere it was clear to me. I wanted a great program, great academics, and somewhere that as cliché as it sounds, felt like home. Brown is where I found that. I think I chose Brown because it ended up being the best fit for me."
Going forward, Valle is showing a lot of promise in one day becoming one of the finest runners in the state. Martins on the other hand will go on to Brown, looking to make a name for himself on the national stage. He will be setting the example for younger aspiring athletes, and one thing is certain; Valle will be watching. "Franco is for sure one of the nicest guys I have ever met. It has being such an honor to have had the opportunity to spend this entire year training with him. He makes me want to be a better athlete, and I want nothing but success for him going forward."