Racism directed at sportspeople has been in the spotlight in Brazil lately. Footballer Vinícius Junior, who plays for Real Madrid, fell victim during the Spanish championship last year.
“At no time did he respond to these acts of aggression,” says Ane. “[Change] must come from us, not paying attention to it.”
Ane still feels a stare, sometimes. Seeing others rise above it inspires her.
“I feel proud of that, of reacting like, ‘I’m going to continue, I’m going to show that we’re here because we deserve it’,” she says.
Instead of hiding from prejudice she, quietly but proudly, confronts it.
“In my sport, there are few black people,” she says. “Even at the Archery World Cup in Paris last summer, we could be counted on the fingers of our hands.”
Progress comes from those who create change. Ane is leading the way.
“Coming to Paris for the Olympic Games would mean inspiring young athletes of colour.”
