Paula Bazilio – Vice President of AIDA Belgium, Coach of the Cucumber team

Nostalgie Pelsener
18 hours ago
4 min read

Paula Bazilio – Vice President of AIDA Belgium, Coach of the Cucumber team

“This sport is far more than performance — it’s a tool for health, therapy, and inclusion.”

Living in Uccle for the past 13 years, Paula Bazilio is originally from Portugal and works at bPost as a trainer for field agents. She is also the founder of the freediving school Abyss Apnea, active for over a decade. She recently stepped into the role of AIDA Belgium Vice President, overseeing the Competitions and Events department. For the past three years, she has also coached the freediving competition team known as “Les Concombres.”

Oceanic roots

“I’ve been practicing freediving since childhood,” Paula shares. Born in Angola, she grew up by the ocean, then in Portugal, where she dove almost every day. “Without knowing it, I was already freediving—exploring the seabed.” It was only upon arriving in Belgium, thanks to Marie-Lorraine, that she discovered that freediving was a structured and recognized sport.

Journey & commitments

Two defining moments marked her path. The first: a dive in the Maldives. “I fulfilled a childhood dream—swimming among rays, sharks, and tropical fish, and sharing a deep gaze with a young whale shark. It was magical, almost spiritual. I was moved to tears.”

The second: the World Championships in Greece. As a coach, she guided her athlete, Pascale Gigon, to a world title in the Master's category. “It was a shared victory, a powerful emotion between two Master women who proved that anything is possible—even against societal expectations.”

Paula is an Assistant Instructor and certified sports coach, with expertise in both mental and physical preparation. Her commitment to the Belgian freediving community is rooted in a conviction:“This sport is far more than performance.”

She sees it as an accessible tool for all, and wants to use her experience to ensure Belgian athletes are recognized and supported at the level they deserve.

A coach committed to excellence

As coach of the Cucumber team, Paula led twelve athletes to both 2025 CMAS and AIDA World Championships, respectively in Greece and Japan. “A rare feat—perhaps even unique.”The results speak volumes: one gold medal with a world record, nine national records, and over twenty Personal Bests.“My approach is based on individualized work, tailored to each athlete, while building a strong team dynamic. I believe a united team allows each person to reach their full potential.”

What freediving brings

“For me, freediving is much more than a sport — it’s an intimate connection with the ocean and with myself." It brings her balance, serenity, and inner strength. "It’s a practice of freedom, self-transcendence, and emotional healing.” She adds: “Freediving transformed my life. It taught me patience, body awareness, and stress management. It showed me that performance isn’t just about numbers — it’s about presence and emotional depth.”

One striking anecdote reflects the human side of her journey: “One day - in the Belgian freediving scene - I was told I had ‘a target on my back.’” She sees it as a reflection of her energy and determination. “I choose to see it as a strength. It means I offer a different vision, and I dare to defend new, inclusive projects.”

Vision & projects

“This question is almost dangerous for me… because my mind never rests.” For five years, Paula has nurtured a dream: to create an Abyss center by the ocean. “A vibrant place, open to all, where freediving is both a high-level sport, a space for health, and a tool for inclusion.”

She wants Belgian athletes to be recognized internationally, and hopes to continue growing as a representative of AIDA Belgium. Her ideal vision for freediving in Belgium includes:

A high-performing athletic elite
An inclusive and accessible community
Institutional and media recognition
Freediving integrated as a tool for health and social impact

Connection to AIDA Belgium

“To me, AIDA Belgium is the shared home of freediving in Belgium.” She sees it as a sports structure, a human network, and a platform for visibility.

Its strengths: the passion of its members, the diversity of profiles, and athletic potential.

Its weaknesses: “A lack of institutional and media recognition, limited visibility, and occasional internal communication challenges.”

To fully embrace her role, Paula calls for broader support: “Too often reduced to competition, freediving is also about health and well-being, social inclusion, education, and even artistic expression.”

Concrete suggestions

Strengthen external communication
Create a structured competition calendar
Develop inclusive programs
Promote athletes as ambassadors
Build strategic alliances with other federations

Quick portrait

Your mantra or favorite quote?“
They didn’t know it was impossible, so they did it.”
Someone who inspires you in freediving?
I’m inspired by the athletes I coach. Their courage, trust, and ability to push themselves motivate me more than any external figure.
Favorite dive spot? The Maldives.
Music you listen to before diving: On My Way by Phil Collins
One word to describe your relationship with water? Freedom