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 The
premier blocker in the Brazilian team, Gustavo Endres,
has been a legend in Brazilian volleyball for the best
part of the last decade.
At 203cm and only 27-years-of-age Gustavo is one of the
best on the international scene and can quite easily
turn a match with his perfect timing, balance in
defensive and inspirational play. He plays a crucial
role in the offensive-accentuated lineup of the World
Championship titleholders and his is dynamic and strong
play is simply a pleasure to watch, especially when he
is full flight. His subtle combination especially in
defense and attack make him one of the most lethal
weapons in the magic Brazil side.
At the 1998 World Championships he received the Best
Blocker Award and followed that up with the same title
in the 2001 World League, when Brazil claimed their
second title. In last year's World League Gustavo
finished as the fourth-best scorer for Brazil in the
final round, while last year's World Championship, when
Brazil claimed their first title, he was their top
blocker.
On court he has developed a superb relationship with
skipper Nalbert Bitencourt and both are often seen up in
tandem in the block or the first ones to offer
congratulations to each other following a successful
spike. It is one partnership, which has proved most
effective for the yellow and gold team.
But after two World Championships and six World League
appearances back pain is starting to hinder the
ginger-haired star but he's adapting to it and taking
the necessary steps to make sure he is primed for each
game.
"Having arrived from Italy I felt pain in my back
but I saved myself during the pre season trainings and
now I'm raring to go", he said after disputing the
Italian Championship with Ferrara last season.
Born in Passo Fundo, Gustavo actually lived in Sao Paulo
for nine years so he'll definitely be one of the first
players running out into Geraldo Jose de Almeida when
Brazil opens its World League matches against Germany on
May 24.
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