The reigning Fastest-Man-in-Water Cesar Cielo has requested the ouster of Brazil’s federation chief Coaracy Nunes, according to “Poder” magazine. While the swimming world waits on a decision as to where Cielo will continue his training headed towards Shanghai in 2011 and London in 2012, all eyes are focused on this as a possible developing situation.
The comment was made in response to the magazine’s question as to what would be his ideal Christmas present, though Cielo claims that it was taken out of context. In his words, the idea has become a running joke between himself and Nunes, because nothing ever changes with him. Nunes and Cielo have butted heads several times in the past: including contentiousness over Cielo’s training in the United States. After the Beijing Olympics, the two had a public squabble in the media, but both men claim that they have since smoothed things over.
Nunes’ reaction to the statement was that he has a hard time believing that Cielo really wants him removed. He told Globoesporte.com that he and Cielo had, in fact, had quite amicable conversations during the opening ceremonies of December’s Dubai World Championships.
What bearing this has on the sprinter’s training decision is as of yet unknown. Cielo just returned from vacation in Italy today, and a decision will be expected soon. Many of his public comments have seemed to lean strongly towards his desire to stay and train in Brazil. This includes referring to Auburn, Alabama as an isolated town and saying that he was forcing his training there. He has also expressed a desire to spend more time in Brazil with his family, and recently signed an agreement to represent, domestically, the club Flamengo that he has been training with.