Ana Carolina Vieira Srour “Baby”
Ana Carolina Vieira Srour “Baby”
A new generation of Jiu-Jitsu black belts is arriving on the scene, and Ana Vieira is at the forefront. She has only been training for six years, but after winning the Worlds at brown belt in 2016, she was promoted and crushed her Worlds debut at black belt this year. She defeated the incredibly tough Monique Elias in the finals by an impressive 12-0, capturing the middleweight black belt World title.
Inspired to begin training by her older brother, Rodolfo Vieira, “Baby” Vieira quickly made a name for herself on the competition scene, winning the Worlds at blue belt in 2012 and 2013, and purple in 2014. Despite sitting out for eight months with a serious shoulder injury, she made an incredible comeback to win the worlds at brown in 2016. The rest is history.
She is a black belt under Master Julio Cesar Pereira and is at the front of a very tough women's GF Team. She is a firm believer that, through dedication, you can accomplish any goals you set. Meet Ana Carolina Vieira Srour, a.k.a. “Baby”.
Name: Ana Carolina Vieira Srour
Age: 23 years old
Team: GF TEAM
BJJ Tees: Where are you from? How did you get involved with Jiu-Jitsu?
Baby: I'm from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I train in Meier and Campo Grande where I live. I started training Jiu Jitsu when I was 17 years old (6 years ago). My first experience with Jiu Jitsu was when I was 14 years old. My brother always wanted me to train, but I didn't enjoy it. Then, when I was 17, I went to a competition to watch my brother and when I saw my family and friends there cheering for him, I realized that I really wanted to train and compete.
How much do you train every week? What is your daily schedule like leading up to a big competition like the Worlds?
I train Monday through Friday. In the morning, I do strength and conditioning with my trainer Raphael Benassi, and in the afternoon I do Jiu Jitsu. Twice a week I give priority to specific training and drills. Before the Worlds, I train hard until a week before. Then, just some light training to maintain weight.
Do you have to follow a strict diet? What are your favorite foods to eat?
I do not follow a restricted diet. I eat well and am accompanied by a nutritionist, Miguel Vieira. My favorite food is Japanese. I love!
What are some of the challenges you have faced along your journey as a competitor?
My biggest challenges as a competitor are injuries.
The biggest injury I ever had was when I hurt my shoulder in 2014. I had to undergo a very complicated surgery and I went eight months without training, I missed all of the main competitions. It was very difficult. I was mentally very shaken. I thought I would not be able to come back and compete as before, but thank God I recovered very well!
Now I am recovering both knees and I feel it. I stretched the ligaments in my knees and am treating them before the next competition in September!
Congratulations on your recent world title! How did it feel to win the Worlds as a black belt? What was your toughest match?
I get so far looking at the medal and remembering the joy I felt when I became champion. It's something that every athlete dreams and trains a lot to achieve. Thank God I had amazing people beside me who helped me get there. The hardest fight is always at the end. I was very nervous. I knew I could not go wrong, that any advantage in front of me would be difficult to chase, because Monique is a great competitor.
Do you get nervous before you compete? What do you do to get mentally ready?
I am always nervous to enter the area of fighting. After they call my name, it is as if there is nothing else. In my head, I keep repeating: "You are prepared. You will be champion."
What is your favorite submission?
Chokes.
Who are your inspirations in Jiu-Jitsu?
My brother, Rodolfo Vieira. Leandro Lo, Bia Mesquita, Michelle Nicolini and Ana Laura.
Now that you are a black belt World Champion, what's next? What are some of your goals for the future?
Right now, I intend to rest my injuries. I will return to competition in September for the Grand Slam in Los Angeles and the Pan No Gi. I will prepare a lot to get good results this year and, of course, seek a second World title.
Do you have any hobbies outside of Jiu-Jitsu?
I like going to the beach and the movies.
Do you have any embarrassing stories from your training or competition?
Oh, in my first competition, I put the girl in an arm triangle and she asked me to drop it because she was out of breath. I loosened it and she ended up reversing the position, even though I was winning the fight. In the end, my brother scolded me, hahaha. He said never to do that.
What is some advice you would give to other girls (or guys) who want to be competitors?
My advice to anyone who wants to follow a career as an athlete is to dedicate yourself. Dedication is always worthwhile. You will go through many difficult times and defeats, but raise your head and follow firm to achieve your goals.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to first thank God for blessing me so much, all my family, my gym SK2 Training, and my team, GF Team, for all the support. And to my sponsor Just Roll. Thank you!
You can follow Ana on Instagram @anacvieirajj .