Garay and Brait retire from Brazil national team

Brazil’s silver medal campaign at the Tokyo Olympics marked the end of a journey for at least two players on the team. Outside hitter Fe Garay had already announced her intention of stepping away from the international game before the tournament. Libero Camila Brait revealed she would not return to the team either.

The 35-year-old Garay confirmed her decision in an Instagram post earlier this week. She will also sit out of the upcoming club season to start a family.

“It’s hard to find the words, it’s a mix of feelings,” she wrote. “I’m still upset at having lost the final, but extremely proud that our campaign was rewarded with a silver medal. It was amazing to be part of a group of wonderful women, who found ways to give their best in every match despite all the adversities. I say goodbye after 20 years with the national team - 11 of which were with the senior team - with my head up and proud of having done all I could, physically and mentally, having respected the sport and made of it my absolute priority all these years.”

A London 2012 Olympic champion, Garay had a prominent role with Brazil in Tokyo. She was the team’s top scorer with 120 points and its leading passer with 113 receptions registered during the tournament.

Brait, 32, steps away from the national team after playing in her first Olympics. The libero was part of the national team since 2009 but didn’t make the final selections for either the London 2012 or the Rio 2016 Games. She will continue to play at a club level for Brazil’s Osasco.

“So much love and pride for this medal, which came to crown such a special period of my life,” she wrote. “I’ve dedicated my life to this team for so long and dreamed about competing at the Olympics, and here I am with a medal. Everything has been worth it and I step away with the certainty that I gave all I had the entire time and that I inspired other young women to go after their dreams.”

Brait was also a valuable asset for Brazil during the Toyko Olympics. She ranked fourth in digs in the entire tournament with 82, and seventh in receptions with 101.

Brazil’s next tournament will be the South American Championship from September 15-19 in Barracabermeja, Colombia.

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