Cielo Peralta (18), a rising swimming star from Paraguay, is challenging the international stage with the support of the World Aquatics Scholarship Program. She recently made her debut at the Open Water Swimming World Cup held in Soma Bay, Egypt, marking the beginning of her full-fledged international journey.
Launched in 2014, the World Aquatics Scholarship Program has provided financial and technical support to talented swimmers facing resource limitations. Now in its 11th year, the program currently sponsors 50 swimmers, 15 open water swimmers, 8 divers, 7 artistic swimming duets, and, for the first time, 6 water polo players.
At the Open Water World Cup in Soma Bay, Egypt, which marked the start of the international open water season, World Aquatics interviewed four open water scholarship recipients training at the Azura Florida Aquatics, the World Aquatics training center located in Davie, Florida, USA. Cielo Peralta was the first featured athlete in the five-part interview series.
Peralta, who shows outstanding skills not only in open water but also in indoor swimming, is currently a member of the Paraguayan national team in the women's 800m freestyle and holds the national record of 9 minutes and 27.45 seconds.
World Aquatics: Cielo, it's a pleasure to meet you in sunny Egypt ahead of the opening of the Open Water World Cup season. We hear this is your senior World Cup debut. How are you feeling?
Cielo Peralta: Yes, that's right! This is my first big World Cup. I participated in the Junior World Championships last year, but this level is a first for me, and I think it's a really big opportunity, so I'm very excited.
World Aquatics: How have you been training and preparing for this competition?
Cielo: I've been training really hard with the Azura coaches since last year. It was intense training, but training in Egypt has been really good. The weather is nice, and the pool is beautiful. I feel ready to have a great race.
World Aquatics: Have you had the chance to meet any of your childhood idols here?
Cielo: Yes, of course! It's unbelievable to be here with Olympic athletes. When I see them, I just think, "Wow!" The fact that I can compete with them is really inspiring.
World Aquatics: You are participating in the World Aquatics Scholarship Program. What has this experience been like?
Cielo: It has changed my life. Training in Florida was a dream come true for me. Thanks to the scholarship, I've had the opportunity to grow not only as a swimmer but also as a person. I am truly grateful.
World Aquatics: What was the transition like from Paraguay to the Azura training program in Florida?
Cielo: The weather is actually quite similar. Both are warm, but Florida sometimes gets more rain. But living in Florida has been an amazing experience.
World Aquatics: What is training like in the Azura program? How have the coaches and facilities helped improve your skills?
Cielo: My first year at Azura was amazing. I broke my personal best records and participated in many competitions. Team training is tough, but it's rewarding. The coaches remind us that every day is an opportunity to grow and push us to be our best.
World Aquatics: What is the team atmosphere like? There are athletes from all over the world at Azura. Is it like a family?
Cielo: Yes, most of us are far from home, but we support each other like family. The team atmosphere is really special, and the coaches always encourage us.
World Aquatics: Can you share a memorable experience with your teammates?
Cielo: Every day of training is a new experience. It's a process of chasing our dreams, but it's important to have a great team around you. We train hard together, but we enjoy the process itself. There have been so many fun and challenging moments while training here, and I will always remember them. They help me do my best every day.
World Aquatics: There must be challenges in the process of pursuing your dreams. How do you overcome tough days?
Cielo: Of course. Training is hard, and everyone is working to be the best. But that's what drives us to improve. It's important to challenge yourself every day, refine your technique, and work consistently.
World Aquatics: 2025 is an important year! With the World Junior Championships, the Singapore World Championships, and the Pan American Junior Championships scheduled, what are your goals and aspirations for the future?
Cielo: Yes, there are so many important competitions coming up! The Pan American Juniors, in particular, are very special for me and my country because they will be held in Paraguay. It's a big opportunity, and I want to represent Paraguay well.
World Aquatics: Finally, what advice would you give to athletes considering applying for the World Aquatics Scholarship Program in 2026?
Cielo: Yes! Enjoy every moment, do your best every day, and seize every opportunity to improve. Every day is a big opportunity, and the scholarship program can be a path for you to reach your full potential.
World Aquatics: Wonderful! Thank you for the interview today, Cielo. Good luck!
At the opening round of the 2025 World Aquatics Open Water World Cup in Soma Bay, Egypt, Cielo Peralta finished 4th among athletes from the Americas, 45th overall, and 8th in the junior ranking.
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