Diogo Martins: The First Young Rider to Become a Four-Time National Champion in Brazil’s CEIYJ2 120 km
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As Miguel de Cervantes once said through his famous character, Don Quixote de La Mancha, “When you dream alone, it is just a dream. When you dream together, it is the beginning of reality.” This shared dream began to take shape in late 2007, when Diogo de Oliveira Martins' parents made his wish come true by enrolling him in a riding school. Years later, he made history by becoming the first young rider to win the Brazilian National Champion CEIYJ2* 120 km title for four consecutive years.
His first title came in 2021 with Verve Rach (Voltaire Rach x Vaneska Rach), followed by a second victory in 2022 with CP Latifa (Qubilaikhan De Crouz x Eternity da Barra). In 2023, he secured his third championship with Zoey Kong Rach (Hong Kong x Zoe Rach), and in 2024, he claimed his fourth title with Peridot Rach (Mister Eros HX x Patrizia Rach).
Born into a family with a deep passion for horses, Diogo's destiny seemed inevitable. His paternal grandfather bred Quarter Horses, while his father competed in Reining events. On his mother's side, his grandfather bred Arabian horses, further solidifying Diogo's connection to equestrian sports.
What started as a childhood dream soon became a family endeavor, with his loved ones supporting him every step of the way in endurance racing. His father, Rodrigo Alvarenga Campos Martins, a cattle breeding veterinarian, became so involved in the sport that he was appointed Chef d’Equipe for the Brazilian squad at the FEI World Endurance Championship Monpazier 2024. Meanwhile, his mother, Marina Pedroso, a professional photographer, dedicated herself to capturing the moments of Diogo’s endurance racing journey from the very beginning. |
Beyond his family's unwavering support, two key teams have played a fundamental role in Diogo’s success in Brazilian endurance racing. The first is the Rancho da Capital Team from Brasília, and the second is the Rach Stud Team from Minas Gerais, with whom he won three of his four titles—each with a Rach mare. This partnership also led to a lifelong friendship with Rodrigo Storani Saliba, marking the beginning of a bond that extends far beyond the competition arena.
Diogo Martins has made history as the first young rider to achieve the title of four-time national champion in the CEIYJ2* 120 km endurance category in Brazil. His remarkable achievement showcases not only his exceptional skill and dedication but also his passion for equestrian endurance.
With consistent performances and an unwavering commitment to the sport, Diogo has set a new standard for young riders in the country. His journey is an inspiration to aspiring equestrians, proving that perseverance, discipline, and love for the sport can lead to extraordinary success.
As he continues his career, Diogo Martins remains a name to watch in the world of endurance riding, representing Brazil with excellence on the national and international stage.
Photos provided by Diogo and Family
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