Honoring the Life and Legacy of Helena Carvalho

World Masters Athletics is deeply saddened by the passing of Helena Carvalho, a remarkable athlete, official, leader, and friend whose contribution to Masters Athletics spanned decades and touched countless lives around the world.

Helena devoted much of her life to our sport. As a Masters athlete, she achieved notable success, including winning the European Masters title in the 400m hurdles in 1996. She later made an equally significant contribution as an official, technical expert, and administrator, serving as General Secretary of European Masters Athletics and working at the highest levels of international Masters competition.

Within World Masters Athletics, Helena served for many years as Call Room Director, a demanding role that required exceptional organizational skills, technical expertise, sound judgment, and, above all, a deep understanding of athletes. Through her dedication and professionalism, she helped ensure that thousands of competitors experienced the high standards, fairness, and care expected at a World Championship.

In recognition of her outstanding service to Masters Athletics, WMA awarded Helena the Bronze Pin in 2024.

Alan Bell, WMA Vice President of Competition Director, expressed what Helena meant to him and so many throughout the Masters Athletics community:

“The whole world of Masters Athletics is saddened by the passing of Helena Carvalho. Helena worked closely with so many people for whom she provided wise counsel, technical advice, balanced guidance, and leadership.

Helena had filled the Management Team role of Call Room Director for World Masters Athletics for many years. Her skills enabled so many athletes to have a positive, professional experience in how a global championship should be conducted. Alongside that work, Helena was always a joyful participant in the social activities that foster the close friendships within our sport.

Helena will be missed. That is an understatement. But she will also be remembered as the marvelous human being she was.”

Those words capture something essential about Helena. She was not only highly respected for her competence and commitment, but also cherished for her warmth, kindness, and generosity. She understood that Masters Athletics is about more than competition and administration. It is about the friendships, camaraderie, and sense of community that make our sport unique.

European Masters Athletics has also paid tribute to Helena and her extraordinary dedication to Masters Athletics, reflecting the deep respect and affection she earned throughout both the European and international Masters communities.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Jorge and the entire Carvalho family, as well as Helena’s many friends, colleagues, and fellow athletes around the world.

In recognition of Helena’s passing, all WMA officials, Council members, and related personnel will wear a black ribbon for the remainder of the Daegu Championships.

Helena leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, excellence, and friendship. Her contributions helped shape Masters Athletics for generations of athletes, officials, and volunteers, and her influence will continue to be felt throughout our sport.

We will miss her deeply.

We will remember her fondly.

And we will remain forever grateful for all that she gave to the Masters Athletics family.