When a BBC announcer suggested that a Brazilian broadcaster needed to shut up at the start of a swimming race at the Rio Olympics, he was voicing the feelings of many in the host country.
Considered the Bob Costas of Brazil, Carlos Eduardo dos Santos Galvao Bueno — known simply as Galvao — is a love-him-or-hate-him announcer who is the voice of Brazilian sports. His raucous, over-the-top style helps make big sporting events feel even bigger in Brazil.
However, those who dislike Galvao’s clamorous colloquies have taken to social media during the Olympics to beg him to be a bit more silent and are reveling in the outside criticism — #CalaABocaGalvao is a thing. Translation: “Shut up, Galvao.”
Galvao, 66, is the chief sports commentator for Globo, a major TV network in Brazil. He is the voice that brings World Cups, Formula One races and, of course, Olympic Games to millions of Brazilians. Beyond his seeming inability to take a breath, he is known for his blind support of Brazilian athletes, blunt disagreements with guests and fellow commentators, and excessive attention to the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina.
Among his signature sayings: “Winning is great, but beating Argentina is much better,” “These [insert nationality of opposing team here] are very annoying,” “Dramaaaaaaaaatic!” and the oft-heard “Haja coracao” — something akin to feeling like one might have a heart attack — now a common saying by Brazilians during sporting events.
Galvao was already getting attention for a scathing commentary after Brazil’s Olympic men’s soccer team could manage only a 0-0 draw against Iraq and walked off the field without talking to reporters.
“Ugly. Very ugly... Not professional... Unethical,” Galvao said.
The swimming incident circulated on Twitter when a video of the BBC broadcast was posted. Before one of the many races featuring Michael Phelps last week, Galvao kept talking — loudly — as the swimmers took their starting positions.
When an official paused to ask the crowd to quiet down, the BBC commentator said: “Too much noise ... at least coming from the commentator next to me. I tell you, he needs to shut up during the start.”
After the incident, Galvao acknowledged he should have zipped his lips and posted a picture on Instagram of him with the BBC broadcast team.
Despite the mockery, some find Galvao inspiring. Local Fox Sports announcer Gustavo Villani is one.
“He truly understands all sports and delivers it with a lot of emotion,” Villani said. “He lets himself go.”
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