Caio Bonfim just made history. He clinched a silver medal this past Saturday at the Tokyo2025 World Championships. He powered through the 35-kilometer race walk with sheer determination. This isn’t his first major medal, either. He also snagged silver in the 20-kilometer event at the Paris2024 Olympic Games. Bonfim attributes a big part of his recent success to one specific factor: his connection with Benfica.
The race in Tokyo was a tough one. Canadian Evan Dunfee took home the gold. He finished the event in 2 hours, 28 minutes, and 22 seconds. Bonfim crossed the finish line just 33 seconds later. This achievement makes Bonfim the first Brazilian to win a medal at this edition of the World Athletics Championships.
The Benfica Influence
Bonfim spoke openly about his club’s role. “Since the day I joined Benfica, many good things have happened,” he explained. “In Brazil, we say ‘it clicked’ or ‘it brought luck.’ But the truth is, this shirt has done me a lot of good.” This silver medal now sits alongside his bronze medals. He previously earned bronze in the shorter distance at both London2017 and Budapest2023.
The 34-year-old race walker hails from Sobradinho, Brazil. His second-place finish in the 20th World Athletics Championships’ opening event was a monumental moment for his South American nation. He finished those 33 seconds behind Dunfee, the first champion crowned at Tokyo2025.
Reporters from the Lusa news agency caught up with Bonfim. They spoke in the mixed zone of Japan’s National Stadium. They asked him about the importance of the Lisbon club. Bonfim did not hold back his praise and thanks.
A Heart for Red and White
“I thank Ana [Oliveira], with whom I always talk,” Bonfim stated. He then shared a heartfelt sentiment. “When I’m not wearing Brazil’s jersey, my heart is red.” He expressed his joy over the Olympic silver. “Now I return with World Championships silver,” he said. “This medal is also for Benfica. It’s for all Benfica fans and for race walking fans in Portugal.” He even acknowledged Portugal’s own João Vieira, a race walking legend with 14 appearances.
Bonfim also shared some personal memories linked to Portugal. He recalled his father, João Sena, competing in the Tokyo1991 World Championships. Susana Feitor also participated in that event. He named other key Portuguese figures in the sport. These included Sérgio Vieira, Miguel Carvalho, Miguel Rodrigues, Inês Henriques, and “professor” Jorge Miguel.
“They are part of my history,” Bonfim insisted. “They helped me build this moment. I dedicate this medal to them too.” He wrapped up his thoughts on his teammates. “I hope all Benfica athletes have great World Championships. We certainly started on the right foot.”
His thanks extended to the entire Olympic structure. This included the athletics and race walking divisions of the “red” emblem, as Benfica is known. He finished with a surprisingly emotional cheer, typical of Benfica supporters. “Thank you all,” he said. “I am very happy to represent Benfica once again and to get another medal.” He explained a Brazilian saying. “In Brazil, we say ‘to have a hot foot,’ meaning you’re on a roll. In Portugal, fans usually say: ‘Carrega, Benfica!'” This translates to “Come on, Benfica!” or “Go, Benfica!”
The Brazilian race walker still has more to do. He is set to compete in the 20-kilometer race walk in Tokyo2025. That event is scheduled for September 20. Bonfim officially joined Benfica’s athletics team on the very day he won his silver medal at Paris2024. He is part of the Portuguese club’s long-term plan, stretching all the way to the Los Angeles2028 Games.