Judo: Brazil secures team silver and wraps up with 16 podium finishes
Brazil clinched a silver medal in the final team competition of judo, marking the conclusion of the sport's events at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. On Tuesday (Oct. 31), the Brazilian team fought valiantly against their Cuban counterparts, winning three bouts but also losing three. However, they narrowly missed out on the gold medal in the tie-breaker.
Amidst their pursuit of Olympic qualification for Paris 2024, Brazilian judo displayed exceptional performance at the Pan American Games, securing a total of 16 medals (including seven gold, three silver, and six bronze). This tally exceeded their previous best result from 12 years ago at the Guadalajara edition in Mexico.
"I'm delighted to be a part of this moment, to identify areas for improvement and growth, and to work towards achieving Olympic qualification for Paris to conclude my career on a high note," stated heavyweight athlete Rafael 'Baby' Silva, aged 36, who claimed an individual bronze in this edition.
Qualification for the Paris Olympics, featuring 14 individual categories and a team tournament, is determined based on the International Judo Federation (IJF) world ranking, incorporating scores earned between July 2022 and June 2024.
Coach Andrea Berti, who leads the women's team, said in a statement to the Brazilian Olympic Committee website, "Our primary focus is on preparing for the Olympic Games in Paris. Nonetheless, we always strive for victory, continuously pursuing the best results. We are nurturing a mixed team comprising both seasoned athletes and newcomers, which significantly strengthens the squad."
