Women in Handball: Bruna de Paula, Mariana Santa María and Fiorella Olmos. Voices of protagonists who inspire and delight us with their talent in and out of the 40×20, in and out of the arena.
Women’s handball in South America has grown remarkably in recent years, driven by the talent, dedication and passion of many players who represent their countries in different scenarios.
Among them are figures who, from different modalities of this sport, have managed to stand out and become references for new generations.
Bruna de Paula the best in America
Brazil’s Bruna de Paula, recognized as one of the best handball players in the Americas and recently voted the second best athlete in the world, has demonstrated excellence in the sport.
The Győri Audi ETO KC star from Hungary who also wears the colors of her country describes Women’s Day as a time to recognize the strength, courage and importance of women in all fields.
De Paula refers to the role that women play in sports, in the family, in society, etc. “It is also a day to celebrate achievements and continue to fight for greater equality and respect.”
As for reference, “… my role model is my mother. She has always been an example of strength, love and courage, and has played a fundamental role in who I am today”.
And if you had to describe the woman in one word, what would it be: “Inspiration.”.

On the other hand, in the beach handball modality, great exponents such as Mariana Santa María, from Chile, and Fiorella Olmos, from Uruguay, are also emerging.
Mariana Santa María trans-Andean legacy
One of the emblematic beach handball players of the Chilean national team highlights the value of March 8.
“It is a day to recognize the struggle and the path that has been blazed by so many women before us.”
“Also to appreciate that today many of us continue to push those boundaries and pave the way in sports, work and everyday life for generations to come.”
His main reference is Mariana Illanes, his mother.
“For her strength, energy and positive attitude towards life. She has always given me the space and confidence to believe in myself, to dare to break schemes and follow my own path”.
Finally, if you had to describe the woman in one word, what would it be: “Courage”.

Fiorella Olmos Uruguayan projection
The young woman who is a member of Uruguay’s beach handball team dreams of qualifying for the World Cup. A sand warrior who reflects on International Women’s Day.
“For me, Women’s Day is a day of recognition, a day to value the strength and achievements of all women and thus continue to push for equality.”
His most prominent reference is his grandmother. “She is the strongest woman I know, she was always there for the whole family, her constant effort is my example to follow.”
Finally, if I had to describe the woman in one word it would be, what would it be: “Resilient.”.

These athletes reflect effort, talent, perseverance and the evolution of women’s handball in the region.
So, this 8M let’s celebrate the women who, in every match, break barriers and pave the way for the next generations.
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If you liked Women in Handball: Bruna de Paula, Mariana Santa María and Fiorella Olmos you can also go back to read Women in Handball: Leticia Brunati, Paula Eastman and Fernanda Insfran
Photo credits: IHF Anze Malovrh / Kolektiff / COSCABAL / Germán Paez
By Loly Coria

