Larissa Pimenta (-52kg), Rafaela Silva (-57kg), Michel Augusto (-60kg) and Willian Lima (-66kg) are the new PanAmerican champions; Daniel Cargnin (-73kg) and Nauana Silva (-63kg) took silver while Amanda Lima (48kg) and Ketleyn Quadros (63kg) won bronze medals. Natasha Ferreira (48kg) also fought this Friday and finished in fifth place.
The Olympic dream is still alive for Michel Augusto who won Brazil's first gold defeating David Terao (USA) on penalties and won, for the first time, the continental title. Michel is one of the young talents of the new generation of Brazilian judoka and, at 19 years old, he is looking for his first Olympic participation. The continental title points are essential to keep the dream alive.
“It's a great feeling to win this competition here at home. I had been preparing a lot and I'm going to look for even more,” celebrated Michel.
Pimenta dominated, winning her fifth continental title, the second gold of the day for Brazil in the -52 kg category. She defeated Angelica Delgado (USA) in the final.
“I feel very privileged to be here fighting at home, feeling the energy of the Brazilian people. This medal is another step in my process and I thank everyone who came to support me and Brazil,” she said.
Willian Lima (-66kg) won Brazil's third gold of the day by beating Juan Postigos of Peru with a huge ippon throw. Previously, he had beaten Robin Jara (MEX) by waza-ari and Willis Garcia (VEN) and Orlando Polanco (CUB) with two more big throws. During celebrations the Brazilian shared one of the most beautiful moments of the day with his son, Dom, just six months old.
“In each fight I had to give my best and when a negative thought came I thought about my son and all the courage and energy came back. I managed to win today and he was certainly part of that,” said Willian.
Silva remains unbeatable in Rio and brought one of the most exciting moments of the Carioca Arena fixture on day1. In the -57kg final between the two PanAmerican giants, Christa Deguchi and Rafaela Silva, with the support of the fans who filled the stands, Silva defeated Deguchi in a very tight contest and, upon leaving the mat, indicated the number three, referring to her main achievements on Rio soil: world gold in 2013, Olympic gold in 2016 and continental gold in 2024.
“I feel privileged to be able to compete in the main competitions here at home. I heard the fans stamping their feet in the stands, exactly as it was when I fought at the Rio Olympics. Feeling that again strengthened me for this final and reminded me what the Olympic flame is. I made the final with an athlete who was one of the ones who competed the most this year. She reached the final in all the competitions. It was a very important victory and it strengthened me even more to reach the Olympic Games and try to be among the best in the world again,” concluded Rafaela.
Photos: Anderson Neves/CBJ