Gilberto Godoy Filho Photo Gallery

Gilberto Godoy Filho Photo Gallery. Gilberto Godoy Filho is part of the Brazilian men's volleyball team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Personal Information:

Born: December 23, 1976, Londrina, Brazil
Hometown: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Ht: / Wt: 6'4" / 187 lbs
Olympics: 2004, 2000
Event(s): Men's volleyball
Position: Outside hitter

Brazil's best
On a star-studded Brazilian men's volleyball team, Gilberta Godoy Filho may be the brightest one. Known simply as "Giba," he is one of the most popular athletes in his homeland. He led Brazil to its second men's volleyball Olympic gold medal in 2004 (its first was in 1992), when he was his team's leading scorer with 126 points. Giba made his Olympic debut in Sydney, where Brazil placed sixth. Since those Games, he led Brazil to World League titles from 2003-2007; to world championships in 2002 and 2006; and to World Cup crowns in 2003 and 2007, the latter of which qualified Brazil for the 2008 Olympics.

National team regular
The high-strung Giba, an outside hitter, was the team's leading scorer at the 2007 World Cup, with 127 points (14th overall). An omnipresent figure on the court with his his sweat-soaked hair plastered to his head, he plays with great emotion and flair, and for a big man, has exceptionally quick feet. The MVP of his first international tournament -- the 1993 World Youth championships -- Giba played in his first World League tournament in 1997, and was a member of the Brazilian team that placed fourth at the 1998 Worlds.

Growing up
At age 11, Giba endured a severe injury to his left arm that required 150 stitches. He recovered and started playing volleyball the next year. He also played soccer and basketball when he was younger, but always liked volleyball best. Giba, who's married to his wife, Pirv, thinks he will retire after Beijing.