Overview
Sarah Gonçalves Correa (14 August 1992 – 2 May 2015) was a Brazilian athlete who competed as a freestyle swimmer for her country before retiring to pursue modeling. Born in Rio de Janeiro, she represented Brazil in international relay events and received recognition for her performances at regional multi-sport championships.
Early life and development
Raised in Rio de Janeiro, Correa developed in club swimming programs and progressed through national junior ranks. Like many athletes who reach international competition, she trained with teammates and coaches at city and state levels and was selected for national relay squads that competed in South American and Pan American events.
Career highlights
At the 2010 South American Games in Medellín, Colombia, Correa was part of the Brazilian 4×200-metre freestyle relay team that won the gold medal and recorded a performance that surpassed the previous competition mark. The following year, at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, she helped secure a silver medal in the same relay event. These results established her as a dependable member of Brazil's relay line-up during that period.
Retirement and modeling
Correa stepped away from elite competition in 2014 and began working as a model, transitioning from sport to a public career that attracted media attention in Brazil. Her move was noted in coverage that followed former athletes taking up new professions, and she sought to build a profile beyond the pool with opportunities in fashion and media industries.
Death and legacy
On 1 May 2015 Correa was struck by a vehicle while waiting at a bus stop in the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. She was taken to hospital and died the following day, 2 May 2015, at the age of 22. Her passing prompted condolences from teammates, national sports bodies and fans who remembered her contributions to Brazilian swimming and the promise of a life beyond sport.
Major results
- Gold, 4×200 m freestyle relay — 2010 South American Games (Medellín, Colombia).
- Silver, 4×200 m freestyle relay — 2011 Pan American Games (Guadalajara, Mexico).
- Retired from competitive swimming in 2014 and pursued a modeling career.
Correa is remembered for her role in relay events for Brazil and as a young athlete whose career and life ended prematurely. For further historical context on the competitions she contested, consult contemporary reports and official results databases that track South American and Pan American Games performances.