Carioca (native of Rio de Janeiro) Sandra Pires, partnering Jacqueline Silva, won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, the first year that beach volleyball was an Olympic sport. Four years later, teaming up with Adriana, she won bronze at the 2000 Sydney Games. She embarked on her career in volleyball at the age of 14. Two years later, she migrated from volleyball to beach volleyball, where she stands out for her speed, positioning and technique.

She was elected by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) woman beach volleyball player of the 1990s, and is three-time champion of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour. In February, at the age of 35, she won her third Brazilian Queen of the Beach title, on Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro.

Your beach volleyball partnership with Jacqueline was responsible for winning Brazil’s first Olympic gold medal for women. What did this represent for the country’s sportswomen?

I believe it was very important. It was a breakthrough, a starting point. Women began to believe that they can succeed with hard work. It was a gift for all women and served to motivate female athletes of all sports. I remember that various women got out of their cars to celebrate with us during the victory parade. It was an important moment for us and all women in Brazil.

What are your expectations for Rio de Janeiro’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games?

I think it is marvelous. We have to believe that we are capable. We are a receptive and hard-working people and we can produce a beautiful Olympic Games. All of us must unite: the government authorities together with the people. With the Games here, Brazil will be better known and respected internationally.

How will Rio de Janeiro benefit from holding the 2016 Games?

Sport will help greatly to improve the country, with the facilities that will remain as a legacy for the city, and which will be used in programs involving school and university students. I believe in this union between sport and education. With the Games in Rio, these young people will be able to get close to their idols.

The improvement in transport will be a major legacy. Education in traffic will also be very beneficial, given that, as in all countries that host the Games, there are exclusive lanes for official vehicles. Another benefit is the team work that will be involved.

How does it feel to be the first three-time winner of the Queen of the Beach title, competing against younger athletes?

My maturity and equilibrium helped me a lot. I was competing against younger women who wanted to win. I’d already gone through this 11 times before and made the most of all my experience. My physical fitness was another advantage.

It was at the beginning of the season, a time when many athletes are over their optimum weight because of the vacations. I don’t put on weight during vacations; I took advantage of this. I managed to handle my tiredness and the heat, and I didn’t make the mistakes made by some athletes who were there for the first time. I feel proud!

Some of the girls said, “I want to be like that when I’m 35!”

What advice can you give to athletes who would like to go professional?

Never give up. It’s not an easy path. You have to always believe in yourself and give it your best. Dedication and equilibrium are fundamental. Young athletes should always be looking out for opportunities and useful information. It’s important to know how to talk and negotiate.