Brazilian International Coach

Oct 19, 2025

Francisco Azra: From Brazil to the World Stage of Gymnastics

Coach Emilio

Host WGC

Interviewing Coach Francisco Azra, an accomplished Brazilian coach and international sports professional, was an inspiring and eye-opening experience.
Our conversation unveiled not only his remarkable coaching career but also his deep involvement in the management of world-class sporting events — including the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

With over 15 years of experience, Francisco has led athletes to success at national and international levels, serving as Head Coach at Exeter Gymnastics Club in England, personal coach for the British Junior National Team, and mentor for high-performance programs across Brazil.
His story reflects the values that define great coaches: passion, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

The Journey of a Global Coach

The interview with Francisco was a deep look into the evolution of a coach who has lived and worked across continents. We explored:

• His beginnings in Brazil and the mentors who shaped his early vision of coaching.
• The transition to the United Kingdom, where he became Head Coach at Exeter Gymnastics Club and contributed to the British Junior National Team.
• His experience working behind the scenes at Rio 2016 and Paris 2024, where he served as Technical Officials Coordinator and Field of Play Supervisor.
• His philosophy of high performance — combining discipline, empathy, and long-term athlete development.

Each stage of his journey revealed not only professional growth but also a deep sense of purpose — to elevate gymnastics wherever he goes.

From insightful reflections to stories of teamwork and resilience, this episode captures the energy of a coach who thrives on building bridges between cultures. Francisco’s career proves that gymnastics excellence is not confined by geography — it’s defined by dedication, collaboration, and the pursuit of improvement. His words remind us that coaching is not only about routines and medals, but about shaping human beings capable of facing any challenge with discipline and integrity.

Highlights from the Interview

One of the most exciting updates shared during our talk was Francisco’s announcement of his new position as Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Head Coach at Singapore Gymnastics, marking the start of a new chapter in his global coaching journey.
This role positions him at the forefront of developing the next generation of Southeast Asian talent, further expanding his international impact.

Key takeaways from the interview:

• The importance of cultural adaptability in coaching at the international level.
• The leadership skills required to manage both athletes and large-scale events.
• The continuous learning mindset that defines high-performance professionals.
• The connection between passion, organization, and global collaboration in gymnastics.

This episode is a reminder that the beauty of coaching lies in its universality — whether in Brazil, the UK, or Singapore, the language of dedication remains the same.

Dive into Dialogue:

The interview with Coach Francisco Azra was a celebration of growth, perseverance, and vision. His story bridges continents and generations, inspiring coaches and athletes alike to embrace challenges as opportunities to evolve.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about gymnastics, leadership, or the art of high performance.
🎧 Tune in now to World Gymnastics Coaches and discover the global journey of Coach Francisco Azra.

Key takeaways from the interview:

This episode is a reminder that the beauty of coaching lies in its universality — whether in Brazil, the UK, or Singapore, the language of dedication remains the same.

Dive into Dialogue:

Key takeaways from the interview:

This episode is a reminder that the beauty of coaching lies in its universality — whether in Brazil, the UK, or Singapore, the language of dedication remains the same.

Dive into Dialogue: