Today we’d like to introduce you to Larissa Paes Thackeray
Hi Larissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started inline skating in Brazil in 2008 when I was 13 years old.
I participated in multiple Pan-American and World Championships, traveling to many different countries and learning about different cultures.
Being an athlete became a huge part of my identity and my passion for this lifestyle grew over time. I’ve learned to be independent, resilient, and handle many challenges in life while continuing to pursue my goals.
In 2018, I was invited to try Ice Speed Skating, a sport that I had never imagined I could participate in since we have no facility for it in my country.
I took on the challenge and moved to the United States without knowing anyone that I’d be training with.
It definitely wasn’t easy, but now I’m so grateful for having made that choice. I get to train every day at a high level facility with some of the best athletes in the World and continue to represent my country in many competitions!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The main struggles have been dealing with trauma outside of sports.
I did have many knee, ankle and now low back injuries, but those weren’t the most difficult part of being an athlete.
I experienced the loss of my grandpa to suicide when I was 15 years old, and was a victim of street violence when I was 17 years old. I had PTSD for several years after that, which led to frequent panic attacks and long-term memory loss. A lot of my life between 17-25 years old is blurry in my mind, my friends will tell me about events and stories that I have no recollection of. I entered some toxic relationships and behaviors simply because I couldn’t think clearly.
Speed skating was basically my safe place throughout those years, where I could be fully present without having flashbacks of traumatic events. Slowly I started healing but still had some weeks of struggle with depression.
In 2023, a new wave of negative events took over when I had a miscarriage, followed by the loss of a teammate to suicide and another friend to cancer. I had anxiety, couldn’t function well, got injured while trying to get back to high level training after the lost pregnancy, got my resident visa denied and was struggling to get out of a toxic relationship. In between all of the emotional swings, I got diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, which made me terrified that I’d one day have the same fate as my grandfather.
2024 thankfully was my comeback year.
I got into a loving relationship with someone who supports my dreams every day, worked on rehabbing my low back, got therapy for dealing with the symptoms of bipolar and anxiety, achieved my resident status, got back to training at a high level, and got to balance work, training and leisure time much better.
Now in 2025 the goal is to qualify to the Winter Olympics happening in 2026!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Brazilian Speed Skater.
I’m very grateful for this lifestyle and for being able to inspire others to chase their dreams. I’m mostly proud of never giving up and being the first woman in my country to compete at speed skating World Cups. If you’d asked me 10 years ago, I would have said that’s impossible.
My current goal is on qualifying to the next Winter Olympics, in 2026.
It’s no easy road but I’m so grateful that I have the tools and training to even aspire for such a high goal.
I’ve come a long way until here, now I know that it’s just a matter of staying focused and I’ll continue to receive many blessings.
I’m also a Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Sports Mental Trainer.
Me and my husband have a coaching business. It’s great to experience growth together with someone who believes and invests in the same lifestyle as me. We absolutely love helping our clients succeed.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My parents are the main reason that I’ve been able to develop as an athlete and individual. They’ve been extremely supportive of me my whole life, without ever expecting anything in return.
I thank the universe every day for giving me such beautiful people as parents.
My husband also is such a big support, even when I’m not feeling so positive, he keeps me believing and helps me through the hard days with a lot of grace. It’s been amazing to have a true partner by my side.
I’ve also had many coaches, friends, teammates, and family members who have motivated me to continue on this journey, who have inspired me with their own resilience and perseverance. I’m someone who follows examples more than words so I’m very grateful for always having been surrounded by high achievers who show me anything is possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://base-factory.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lari_atleta/
Image Credits
Noel Stave
