Flagbearers in judo: Djamila Silva (CPV)

Djamila Silva of Cape Verde is one of the flagbearers in judo at the Paris Games. Born in 1996, in Lisbon, Portugal but although she was born in Lisbon, she grew up in Cape Verde until the age of 18 before returning to Portugal. She resides in Lisbon, where she continues her judo training.

Djamila, whose full name is Djamila Cohen Correia e Silva, began practicing judo at the tender age of four. Her initiation into the sport was inspired by her parents' desire for her and her brother, Caio, to engage in physical activity. Both siblings chose judo, starting their training in Portugal and continuing when the family moved to Cape Verde.

Throughout her judo career, Djamila has competed in seven world championships since 2017, although she has yet to secure a win at these events. Despite this, she has found significant success on the African continent. She is a three-time African Championships medallist in the -52kg weight class, earning silver medals in 2022 and 2024 and a bronze in 2021. Additionally, she has amassed six medals at African Open events, including one gold medal at the 2020 Dakar African Open.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Djamila has excelled academically. She graduated in 2019 with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Lisbon. Her academic background supports her professional career as a psychologist and psychotherapist. Fluent in Capeverdian, English, French, and Portuguese, Djamila connects with a broad audience, and she actively shares her journey on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

In her personal life, Djamila enjoys a variety of hobbies including reading, listening to podcasts, taking dance classes, spending time with friends, and playing music. Her commitment to judo involves rigorous training, with two sessions daily focused on physical preparation and judo techniques. She trains in Lisbon with her club team, Sport Lisboa e Benfica, under the guidance of coach Felipe Rosa de Quadros.

Djamila holds a special place in her heart for her family and friends, who she credits as her most influential people and idols. She also finds inspiration from the athletes she trains with, who have become great friends. Her approach to competitions includes avoiding looking at the draw the day before to prevent overthinking scenarios, and maintaining a training routine similar to the warm-up on the day before a fight. This synergy with her coach is crucial for her performance.

Djamila Silva's dedication to judo and her personal philosophy of doing her best in everything to live in peace with herself encapsulate her commitment and resilience. As a member of the humanist organization Soka Gakkai, she promotes peace, culture, and education, reflecting her values both on and off the mat.