Medical personal in judo fighting their biggest opponent

Paula Pareto is not a member of the medical commission, but she is Olympic and World champion, as well as being a hospital doctor. Paula is one of a few judoka who help to fight the coronavirus.

On her Facebook page, she said a few days ago, "It is official that the Olympic Games are postponed, a very appropriate decision because it takes everyone's health as the only thing on which to focus. For my part, my quarantine being accomplished, I returned where I have chosen to work and where I will always choose to be. I am part of a team, the health team which is facing this pandemic. We will help where it is necessary. Fight! Some can fight from home. We fight in the hospital, but always united as a team for the same cause. We can do it!"

Due to Pareto’s weight U48kg and the constraints related to her career as a top athlete, Paula was never able to donate blood. Once again the Covid-19 shakes everything up and Paula explained: “We are faced with a total shortage of donors and in the current health situation we need blood more than ever. I don't know yet when I will be able to resume training at high intensity. I took the opportunity to be able to realise this wish, to give my blood. Everything has its positive side!"

Besides Paula Pareto there are more ‘judo’ doctors, assistants, nurses among our famous competitive judoka. Respect for all of them in a total other fight. Examples like Danilo Pantic (MNE) 2016 Olympic medallist Anicka van Emden (NED) and many others are helping to fight our biggest enemy in this moment.