Ary Façanha

Ary de Sá had one of his most notable successes in the long jump early in his career, when he just missed the podium by coming in fourth in that event at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. This was the same year that he was the South American champion in that event, and he went on to win silver medals in that tournament in 1956 and 1958 and bronze in 1954. He was also the champion at the unofficial 1953 edition. He was also champion at the Summer International University Sports Week (now the Universiade) and a bronze medalist at the Pan American Games in 1955. At the latter tournament, he set a South American record of 7.84 metres. He competed at the Olympics again in 1956, but was eliminated in the qualifying round after placing 20th. He was also a member of the Brazilian 4x100 metre relay team, alongside João Pires Sobrinho, José da Conceição, and Jorge de Barros, that was eliminated in the semifinals at those Games. He retired from active competition in 1961 and later worked as a coach and athletics administrator. Among his students was Olympic 800 metres champion Joaquim Cruz.

Personal Bests: 100 – 10.6 (1952); LJ – 7.84 (1955).