Meet the CISM 2022 Female Athlete of the Year, Brazilian Sergeant Aila Alves Miranda

 

 

BRUSSELS (BEL) - We had the pleasure of meeting Sergeant Aila Alves Miranda, a 30-year-old native of Espírito Santo, who achieved the remarkable feat of being crowned the CISM Female Athlete of the Year in February!

 

CISM HQ: Greetings, Aila! First and foremost, congratulations on your well-deserved recognition as the Athlete of the Year 2022. Can you share with us how you initially got involved in naval pentathlon?

Aila Alves (AA): "Originally hailing from Iuna, a small town with a population of 20,000 in the interior of Espírito Santo state, I relocated to Rio de Janeiro at the age of 15. It was there that I began my journey in triathlon, which led to my triumph in the Brazilian championship. At 21, I discovered military pentathlon and soon ventured into naval pentathlon through the encouragement of friends and family."

 

CISM HQ: What are the key skills required to excel as a naval pentathlon athlete?

AA: "To succeed in all the disciplines of this sport, one must possess immense discipline, unwavering focus, unyielding dedication, and engage in extensive training."

 

CISM HQ: What's your favorite dicispiline in naval pentathlon?

AA: "Regarding my preferred discipline, obstacle racing holds a special place in my heart. But currently, my focus is solely on excelling in the Naval Pentathlon, and I do not participate in any other disciplines."

 

 

CISM HQ: What aspects of your sport present the greatest challenges, and how do you overcome them?

AA: "Rowing posed the greatest challenge for me, as it required immense effort to overcome its difficulties. However, through perseverance and dedication, I managed to conquer the obstacles."

 

CISM HQ: Could you provide a glimpse into a typical day of training for you?

AA: "Our training regimen encompasses both morning and afternoon sessions, with a focus on weight training, swimming, running, shooting, dinghy racing, grenade throwing, rowing, and other specialized activities. Due to the complexity and extensive nature of naval pentathlon, we must divide our training into distinct parts to ensure readiness for competitions."

 

CISM HQ: How have you prepared for the WMC Naval Pentathlon 2022?

AA: "Given the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, most training sessions were canceled. I had to make do with home workouts, utilizing a treadmill and drawing upon my physical education background to maximize muscle development while maintaining a balanced diet."

 

 

CISM HQ: Reflecting on your career thus far, what has been the most unforgettable moment for you and why?

AA: "Winning the team bronze medal in my first naval pentathlon competition in China stands as a moment etched in my memory. Subsequently, I participated in competitions in Germany, Finland, and ultimately the World Military Championship in Brazil, where I earned the titles of World Team Champion, Individual Champion, and CISM Athlete of the Year. So the most unforgettable moment of my career was becoming a world champion in my home country. Winning four out of five races and concluding the championship by being honored as the CISM Athlete of the Year 2022 was an extraordinary achievement."

 

CISM HQ: What does being named CISM Athlete of the Year 2022 mean to you?

AA: "This award represents a sense of accomplishment, the fruits of my dedicated efforts, and the reassurance that I am on the right path."

 

CISM HQ: What are your long-term aspirations as a naval pentathlon athlete?

AA: "While my goal was to continue in the sport, the Brazilian Navy's elite athlete program is an eight-year commitment, concluding this year. Consequently, I will retire at the pinnacle of my career."

 

 

CISM HQ: How do you work with your team to achieve your goals as a Naval Pentathlon athlete?

AA: "As a Naval Pentathlon athlete, achieving our goals is a collaborative effort within the team. With the guidance of our exceptional coach, we have reached unprecedented milestones in history. Notably, both a male and a female Naval Pentathlon athlete have secured prestigious awards, a testament to our coach's expertise."

 

CISM HQ: How has the Brazilian Armed Forces contributed to your career development?

AA: "Given that sports recognition is limited in Brazil, the armed forces served as an additional source of motivation in my career. The Navy arrived at the perfect time. Thanks to my involvement in sports and the armed forces, I was able to complete my higher education, purchase a car, and own a house. Being a military athlete has enriched my life, instilling unwavering discipline in both my personal and professional endeavors."

 

 

CISM HQ: What advice would you give to a young athlete looking to get into naval pentathlon?

AA: "For aspiring young athletes interested in joining the Naval Pentathlon, I would advise them to embody discipline, determination, and unwavering willpower. It is crucial to never surrender and to always strive for excellence. Throughout my career, I hope to have inspired numerous athletes, and I express my gratitude to the Brazilian Navy and CISM for believing in my potential. I am immensely thankful for everything and grateful for the opportunity to conclude my career on a high note.²²

 

(Interview from the CISM Media & Communication Department in collaboration with Sergeant Aila Alves Miranda)