Celebrities and politicians mourn the death of Isabel Salgado, star of Brazilian volleyball

Fans and celebrities paid tribute this Wednesday (16) to former volleyball player Isabel Salgado, who died at the age of 62. Considered an icon of Brazilian volleyball, she was part of the transition sport group of Lula (PT), president-elect.

Former athlete Ana Moser, 54, also a member of the transition team, mourned the player’s death on her Twitter profile. “Irreparable loss, Isabel Salgado. My deepest condolences to all family and friends. Mourning,” she wrote.

“What a spectacular woman. What a precocious departure”, wrote actor Gregório Duvivier, 36. The official profile of Flamengo, the club that revealed the athlete, also mourned her death. “One of the biggest references in national volleyball. Formed at the base of the club, Isabel took her first steps in the Brazilian national team while wearing the mantle and was twice national champion for Rubro-Negro.”

Lula also honored the athlete. “Isabel Salgado was not only a symbol for the sport, but also a fighter in defense of her ideals. Her pioneering spirit in the sport opened doors for many Brazilian women. Her achievements took Brazil to another level in the history of women’s volleyball.”

She was stricken with adult acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS), a rare condition. The former winger was admitted to the Hospital Sírio-Libanês, in São Paulo. The death was confirmed by the COB (Brazilian Olympic Committee), and by its advisory, which issued an official statement. In the message, he announces that the family will not comment at this time.

Maria Isabel Barroso Salgado was born in Rio de Janeiro and made history in volleyball. She became the first Brazilian player to play in Europe, in 1980. She played in the Olympics in Moscow, in 1980, and Los Angeles, in 1984. In 2016, in Rio, she was one of the names that carried the Olympic torch.

After ending her career on the courts, she started playing beach volleyball, alongside Jackie Silva. Isabel is survived by five children: Maria Clara Salgado, Pedro Solberg, Carol Solberg, all athletes, in addition to Pilar and Alison – whom she adopted in 2015.