The IWGA proudly names Portugal’s Catarina Dias as Athlete of the Month for November 2025 — a recognition capping a year of unprecedented triumphs for the 27-year-old fighter from Ginásio Clube Mirandelense (GCM).
Dias was crowned WAKO Kickboxing World Champion in the K1 -70kg division in Abu Dhabi after defeating Serbia’s Aleksandra Krstic in a powerful final performance last month. Her world title came just months after her gold medal victory at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu.
For a fighter who embarked on her journey from the small town of Gralhós and has represented her club for over a decade, these milestones are both career-defining and deeply personal.
“Winning the TWG 2025 in Chengdu was more than just achieving a dream: it was standing on an incredible international stage among the world’s best athletes, showcasing the power of collective sport, the discipline of every athlete, and the reward of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice,” she told us.
The Abu Dhabi title was also very special to Dias:
“Winning the WAKO World Championship fulfilled a long-held dream: standing on the podium and hearing my national anthem. Both victories fill me with pride…but each in its own way reinforces my love for kickboxing and the pride of representing Portugal.”
The mind behind the gloves
Dias credits her success as much to mental conditioning as physical training.
“Physical training is essential, but mental preparation is what truly makes the difference. Before every fight, I focus on visualizing each moment in the ring… that moment reminds me of what I am capable of.”
She emphasizes the role of consistency in daily habits: nutrition, recovery, and a mindset for growth.
“Every training session is an opportunity to grow, and every challenge is a chance to push myself further and prove my strength.”
Dias attributes much of her success to qualities cultivated outside competition.
“Perseverance, humility, and daily commitment are the foundations of my success. Staying connected to my family, my hometown, and my roots gives me balance, strength, and inspiration to keep fighting for Portugal. Every victory is theirs as well.”
Inspiring a generation
Portugal has been producing rising stars in combat sports, and Dias embraces her role as a role model—especially for young girls venturing into kickboxing.
“I feel a great responsibility to show that it is possible to achieve great things, even coming from the interior or small towns. I want to inspire girls to believe in their potential, challenge barriers, and pursue their dreams.”
With 2026 on the horizon, Dias is far from wanting to rest.
“My goal is to continue evolving as an athlete and to represent Portugal at the highest international levels. Every competition is an opportunity to grow, not only as an athlete, but as a person.”