In the 2002 FINA World Swimming Championships (25 m) in Moscow, Bonfim was close to winning a medal, finishing in 4th place in the 4×200-metre freestyle [5] also got the 20th place in the 400-metre freestyle [6] and the 13th in the 1500-metre freestyle.[7]
He swam at the 2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, where he finished 5th in the 4×200-metre freestyle, 7th in the 1500-metre freestyle, 8th in the 400-metre freestyle, 8th in the 800-metre freestyle, and 16th in the 200-metre freestyle.[8]
In 2003, he won the bronze medal at the 2003 Pan American Games in 400-metre freestyle.[11] He also finished 6th place in the 1500-metre freestyle.[12]
He represented Brazil in Athens Olympics in 2004, swimming 4×200-metre freestyle, where he finished in 9th place, and 400-metre freestyle, where he arrived in 34th place.[13]