Nestor GOMES

Nestor Gomes started out as a footballer but later turned to the track and became a top Brazilian middle-distance runner in the 1930s. He also competed in road races, winning the well-known São Sylvestre race three times. On the track he set national records in the 800, 1,500, 3,000, and 5,000 metres, winning national titles at those distances, save the 3,000, which was not run at the nationals. Gomes competed in five South American Championships, winning the 800 metres in 1937. After one of his São Sylvestre titles, Gomes mentioned that he was out of work and a leading newspaper hired him for their printing house.

Personal Bests: 800 – 1:55.2 (1935); 1500 – 4:04.4 (1937).