The construction of an unlikely sporting hero: The “capoeira” Cyriaco (1909-1925)

Abstract:

One of the most striking features of modern sport is the ability to transform some athletes into heroes. It is a phenomenon in which the media play a fundamental role in building a mythical aura around certain athletes. Therefore, this article seeks to analyze how the Brazilian written press elaborated the heroic image around the figure of the capoeira Cyriaco, brazilian who, in May 1909, became famous for defeating a Japanese jiu-jitsu practitioner who until then was seen as invincible. The sources selected to achieve this aim were located in the written press, between the years 1909 to 1925. As a conclusion, it is pointed out that Cyriaco was one of the first Brazilian sports heroes from the popular classes who was elevated to a symbol of the nascent republic that lacked idols that could be identified with the emerging mestizo nation.

Keywords:
Capoeira; Hero; Sport