Sheilla Castro
In the men’s category the prize went to artistic gymnast, Arthur Zanetti. Both Castro and Zanetti won after acquiring the most number of votes cast by the public through the Brazilian Olympic as well as those of a jury comprising journalists, officials, ex-athletes and sporting personalities. Three time Olympic coach, Jose Roberto Guimaraes, was also honored during the event receiving the award for the best coach in team sports.
Dedicating the award to her grandmother, Sheilla Castro said, “I’m delighted to have won this award. I would like to share it with all the players who were with me on the court, because volleyball is a team sport.”
Coach Jose Roberto Guimaraes also praised Castro saying, “Sheilla deserves this award. She was instrumental in us winning Olympic gold in London as she saved five of six match points against Russia in the quarterfinals. Volleyball is a team sport but has moments of individualism.“
Other big names in in attendance were Castro’s fellow team mates Adenízia Silva and Fernanda Garay as well as Olympic silver medallists Alison Cerruti and Emanuel Rego, who were also named Brazil’s best beach volleyball players for 2012. Former Brazilian beach volleyball and volleyball player, Adriana Behar and coach Bernardinho were also present at the ceremony.
At age 29, Sheilla has said that she envisions one more victory at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. If it does happen it would represent an unprecedented third title for Brazil.
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