Brazilians study the younger generation

This week the Grand Slam in Brasilia was made official after months of negotiations, an huge opportunity for the Brazilian athletes to register with four athletes in a Grand Slam where 1000 points are at stake for the winner. The Brazilian team is still leaning on a lot of experience but a new generation is knocking on the door for quite some time. Some of the older generation athletes are in Antalya for the Grand Prix. The IJF asked them their comments on this weekend’s main event.

U57kg Rafaela SILVA (BRA), WRL #7

“I think the Grand Prix of Antalya is very important! I am a very competitive athlete and want to participate in all possible competitions but the Grand Prix are bringing many young girls that I did not know, I am having the chance to hold on to the judogi and to study each one of them, in this way preparing myself more and more for the World Championships in Tokyo. Additionally to improve my ranking as we get closer and closer to Tokyo 2020.”

U66kg Charles CHIBANA (BRA), WRL #22

“It’s very important for me to get back on the podium and to add important points in the Olympic ranking. Besides that the level of the competition is very high and I will be able to fight with athletes that will surely be in the World Championships and in the Olympic Games.”

+100kg David MOURA (BRA), WRL #3

“It is a very strong Grand Prix and it is great training for the World Championships and a unique opportunity to fight with strong athletes who have not fought for a long time!”