About Kayky Mota

Where It All Began

Kayky Mota was born on April 22, 1999, in São Paulo, Brazil. His journey in swimming began in 2010 when he started training under the guidance of his father, Sergio Luis de Oliveira Mota, at a gym in São Paulo. From the very beginning, his father recognized potential in him long before Kayky fully believed it himself. At that time, the Olympic Games were only a distant dream, but through discipline, consistency, and trust in the process, Kayky gradually worked his way toward the highest levels of the sport.

A man and boy pose together, the boy wearing a black jacket and a medal around his neck, holding a certificate with 'Academia CEMI' and a cartoon character on it, inside a room with windows showing greenery outside.

Chasing Bigger Dreams

Growing up, Kayky didn’t only dream of competing on the biggest stages in swimming; he also aspired to pursue a college education in the United States while continuing to develop as an athlete. In 2018, that dream became reality when he earned the opportunity to compete and study at Miami University of Ohio. Two years later, in 2020, he transferred to the University of Tennessee, where he trained under Coach Matt Kredich and competed at the highest level of collegiate swimming. During his time there, he participated in multiple NCAA Championships, earned numerous awards and medals, and competed in one of the most competitive conferences in the United States, the SEC. In 2022, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and Business.

Competing on the World Stage

Throughout his career, Kayky continued to elevate his performance on the international stage. He qualified for major competitions such as the Junior Pan American Games in 2021 and the Pan American Games in 2023, representing Brazil among the best swimmers in the world. In 2023, he achieved a significant personal milestone by finishing among the top 10 swimmers in the world in the 100-meter butterfly at the World Aquatics Championships (Long Course) in Fukuoka, Japan, posting a time of 51.4 seconds.

In 2024, Kayky reached the pinnacle of his athletic career when he competed in the Paris Olympic Games, proudly representing Brazil on the biggest stage in sports. Along the way, he also became a six-time Brazilian National Champion, an achievement that reflects years of dedication, resilience, and relentless pursuit of improvement.

Two men celebrating at a sports event, one wearing a black athletic shirt holding a medal and a colorful booklet titled "Passaporte Olímpico," while the other man is biting the medal. There are seated spectators in the background inside a sports arena.

Let’s Get Better Together

Kayky’s journey has been filled with both highs and challenges. Along the way, he faced obstacles and moments of uncertainty, but each experience strengthened his character and deepened his perspective on what it truly takes to pursue greatness. Those challenges shaped his belief that success is built not only through talent but through perseverance, mindset, and the willingness to grow through adversity.

Today, Kayky strives to make a positive impact beyond his own athletic career. He challenges himself daily to make the world a better place by sharing kindness, uplifting others, and leading by example through his actions. While he continues pursuing excellence in the pool, he is equally passionate about inspiring the next generation of athletes to dream bigger, believe in themselves, and chase their goals with confidence.

Through his work with swimmers and athletes of all levels, Kayky hopes to help others unlock the greatness they carry within themselves, both in sport and in life. His journey continues to be driven by the belief that with hard work, resilience, and the right support, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.

Swimmers in a swimming pool at a competition, with one swimmer celebrating and raising his one finger, wearing an orange swim cap and blue goggles, and another swimmer with a blue swim cap and goggles in the background.
Male swimmer in a diving position wearing goggles, a white swim cap, and no shirt, with a woman in sunglasses and a blue jacket in the background.
A male swimmer in a black and blue jacket holding a silver medal at an aquatic sports competition.
A group of athletes in green and blue uniforms posing in front of a large colorful structure with a gold medal hanging above them. The structure displays the text 'Cali 20 21 Valle' and the logos of the Pan American Sports Organization and the Olympics.
Four male athletes wearing orange Tennessee Volunteers hoodies with medals around their necks, standing together and smiling in front of an SEC and ESPN Network backdrop.
A male swimmer in a swimming pool, flexing his arm and smiling, with wet hair and water droplets on his face and body.
Young male athlete wearing a red sports jacket with a medal around his neck, posing in front of a blue backdrop.