There is an air of confidence around Brazil’s Ana Satila as she looks ahead to another Olympic Games.
Satila is well established on the Olympic scene having made the first of her three Games appearances at the age of just 16.
Participating at the Games at such a young age must have been daunting for Satila but she soaked up all the experiences and has not looked back since.
After making her debut at London 2012, Satila represented Brazil at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 but an Olympic medal eludes her.
A year before the delayed Games in Tokyo, Satila won two ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup titles in C1.
She made the final of the women’s C1 – an event which made its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 – but she finished 10th after receiving a 50-point penalty for missing a gate.
Reflecting on her experience in the Japanese capital, Satila admitted that she struggled without the support of a coach.
“In Tokyo, I was really focused and I believed so much but there were so many things that were not working so well,” said Satila.
“I didn’t have a coach and that was really difficult in my mind but now for Paris everything is perfect from my preparations.
“I feel so good so I am really happy with everything that I did and I am very proud of my work.”
Leading to Paris 2024, Satila is back working with Italian coach Ettore Ivaldi who she considers a “father” figure in the sport.
“He is like a father to me,” said Satila.
“We have been training together since 2011.
“He knows everything about me in my life and it’s really nice to have someone who understands you.
“It is not easy because he treats me like his daughter but it’s really good as I trust him 100 per cent and we have been working so well together.”
With Ivaldi watching on from the bank, Satila has made a positive start to the season, producing a series of consistent performances.
The Brazilian paddler earned K1 bronze and C1 silver at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cups in Augsburg and Krakow respectively.
“I am really happy with my season so far,” said Satila.
“I have been doing everything that I had planned and I am really happy to finish with two medals.
“I want to be in Paris and just give my best.
“Being happy on the water is all that matters to me now as I have been working so much, thinking about my goals.
“I have been working so hard for this so I just want to enjoy it and celebrate.”
Satila is a 2018 world champion in kayak cross and will be one of the contenders for the title as the event makes its first appearance at the Olympics.
“Kayak cross is like nothing we have seen at the Olympics before,” said Satila.
“The contact is the hardest part but also the coolest part to watch. It will be a really hard battle in the Olympics and I am sure it will be exciting to watch.”
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