Scene from the movie "SWAT". Photo: Publicity

Keila Garcia Rodrigues Scurbani, 32, is the only Brazilian female to pass the recent Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) exam, the selection process for candidates in the most highly specialized police force in the USA. The teacher responsible for her success is Paulo Felipe Ananias, of Companhia Athletica Academy. “In 27 years, this is my greatest conquest,” “Paulão” says in jubilation.

Keila, who has been an officer for the Civil Police of São Paulo for seven years, trains Jiu-Jitsu, but took some time off to concentrate on the test:

“I practiced Jiu-Jitsu but stopped everything to train intensely for the test. I intend to take it up again in 2010,” she says, thoroughly pleased with her achievement. Keila passed her tests regarding her CV, theory and practice, and the qualifying phase among 50 other female candidates. “Dedication and love for the profession overcame the impossible. Paulão trained the first Brazilian female to pass a SWAT physical aptitude test,” she says with emotion, after arriving at the academy wearing the t-shirt of the specialized American police force.