Ketleyn Quadros snatches gold in Turkey’s Judo Grand Slam
Brazil once again occupied the highest place on the podium on the second day of competitions at the Judo Grand Slam in Antalya, Turkey. Ketleyn Quadros clinched the gold this Saturday (Apr. 1) in the women’s middleweight (63 kg). On the first day of the events, Rafaela Silva was champion in the 57-kg category.
The title—from her last engagement before the World Championships, the most important after the Olympics—came following a triumph over Israel’s Inbal Shemesh with an ippon in the last second of the fight.
“This medal is crucial for my Olympic trajectory and comes as preparation for the World Championships. It gives me the motivation to face the challenges lying ahead,” said the Brazilian athlete, who started the competition in 8th place in the world ranking and should stand among the top seeded players at the World Championships following the thousand points scored in Turkey.
Olympic Games in Paris
Judo is the discipline that has earned Brazil the most medals in the history of the Olympics: 23 podium positions. The Brazilian team are trying to send representatives to each of the 14 individual categories in addition to the team tournament. The best position in the world ranking serves as reference for the International Judo Federation to assign spots for the 2024 Games in Paris.
The Judo Grand Slam of Antalya is one of 18 stages of the IJF World Tour. Counted in the quest for a spot at the Paris Games (186 for men, 186 for women) are points earned between July 2022 and June 2024.
