Macomb, IL Western Illinois cross country/ track and field runner Aylana Ferreira Cezar represented her home country of Brazil at the Pan American Games this past week, testing herself against a deep international field of elite distance runners.

Cezar raced in the 3000m steeplechase and placed 8th in the event. Cezar was asked what it meant to compete on the international stage.

"It was a step into my dream, the beginning of something bigger, which shows I'm on the right track. I want to make the Olympics, and making the Junior team now feels rewarding, because I've put years of my life and so much effort into this," Cezar said. 

Cezar explained the difference in atmospheres when running at an international level.

"It was definitely a different environment. To represent my country adds to it. It was amazing to have so many people watching at the track stadium and on the livestream. From the first day, arriving at the hotel, till I returned home, the infrastructure COB (Olympic Brazilian Committee) and Team Brazil prepared for the athletes was amazing," Cezar said. 

Cezar gave some personal goals for this season, as well as how this experience has motivated her. 

"Talking about times, I want to break the XC school record and be all-conference and hopefully lead the team to a team title as well," Cezar said. 

"It motivates me for this season; it is my senior year, so I am excited to run some fast times, and for cross country, I am excited to see what this team can do," she added. 
Cezar will now turn her attention to the start of the next season for the Leathernecks. 

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