Mariana Esteves: From Lisbon to Guinea, a journey towards Olympic Qualification

In the world of judo, few stories are as captivating as that of 27-year old Mariana Esteves. Born in Lisbon (POR), Esteves discovered her love for judo at the tender age of five. Introduced to the sport by her mother Teresa, who believed it would teach her self-defense and independence, Esteves quickly found herself drawn to the discipline, challenge, and camaraderie that judo offered. The discipline led to another African title on Thursday in Cairo in her category U57kg.

Under the guidance of her coaches at Fundação Salesianos, Esteves honed her skills and developed into a formidable judoka. From her early days at Colégio Manuel Bernardes to her time training at Campo de Ourique in Colégio Salesianos de Lisboa, Esteves' dedication and passion for the sport were evident to all who knew her.

As she grew older, Esteves's talent blossomed, and she soon found herself competing at the highest levels of the sport. Despite facing setbacks, including a shoulder injury during the Berlin Junior Cup in 2016, Esteves persevered, undergoing surgery and rehabilitation to return to competition stronger than ever.

In 2021, seeking to reignite her passion for judo, Esteves made the bold decision to move to Paris, France, where she trained with Celso Martins at SGS. The change of scenery proved to be a turning point for Esteves, as she rediscovered her love for the sport and set her sights on new goals.

One of those goals was representing Guinea on the international stage. Inspired by her mother's African heritage and fueled by a desire for freedom and self-discovery, Esteves made the decision to switch nationalities and compete for Guinea. It was a decision that would change the course of her career and open doors to new opportunities.

In 2022, Esteves made her debut for Guinea at the African Championships in Oran, where she captured a fifth-place finish. The following year, she made history by winning gold at the same event in Casablanca, solidifying her status as one of the top judokas on the continent.

But Esteves's journey was far from over. In 2024, she clinched gold once again at the African Championships in Cairo, retaining her title and earning a coveted spot at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. It was a crowning achievement for Esteves, who had overcome adversity and challenges to reach the pinnacle of her sport.

Off the mat, Esteves is a dedicated student and educator, pursuing a PhD in Sociology and Sports Management at the University of Lisbon. She also works as a judo teacher for young children, sharing her passion for the sport with the next generation of athletes.

Esteves's journey to Olympic qualification is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As she prepares to represent Guinea on the world stage, Esteves carries with her the hopes and dreams of a nation, as well as the love and support of her family, friends, and fans.

In the words of Esteves herself, "Focus on what you can control to be yourself creating your own opportunities. You're the boss of your life." With that mindset guiding her, there's no doubt that Mariana Esteves is destined for greatness at the 2024 Olympic Games and beyond.