Olympic Marathoner Daniel Nascimento Found Alive in São Paulo After 44 Days Missing

Overview

• Daniel Ferreira do Nascimento disappeared from his home in Paraguaçu Paulista on June 19, 2026 after leaving with only a backpack and triggered weeks of family and social‑media searches.
• He was recognized by a pedestrian in Belenzinho, East São Paulo, and on Saturday, August 1 the Guarda Civil Metropolitana confirmed his identity and took him to the 30º Distrito Policial for a family reunion.
• Authorities and multiple reports said he appeared physically well when found, but his mother has said he has struggled with depression since being barred from competition.
• The athlete received a five‑year suspension from the Athletics Integrity Unit, retroactive to July 15, 2024, after tests detected anabolic agents including drostanolone, metenolone and nandrolone, keeping him out of the sport until July 2029.
• Daniel is Brazil’s South American marathon record holder (2:04:51 in Seoul, April 2022) and represented the country at Tokyo 2021; he is now in São Paulo receiving care and his family is seeking a local transfer for continued treatment.