Brazilian judoka, who grew up in Rio's 'City of God' community beat Sumiya Dorjsuren of Mongolia in the 57kg final
Rio de Janeiro native Rafaela Silva, 24, has won the host nation's first gold medal of the Rio 2016 Games today (8 August) beating Mongolia's Sumiya Dorjsuren of Mongolia in the -57kg final. Silva scored waza-ari over Dorjsuren with a throw a little over a minute into the final and was able to hold on to that lead amid deafening cheering from the stands.
The Brazilian judoka was disqualified in the early rounds at London 2012. The referees decided that Silva, who had actually won the match, applied a blow that is no longer allowed under the new rules of judo.
Born in the notorious City of God community in Rio de Janeiro, Rafaela had the strong support of the fans in the Carioca Arena 2, and especially from her family who were there to support her.
"It really helped me with momentum and the pressure against my opponents. The stadium was shaking, everybody was screaming and cheering me up every minute."
Rio de Janeiro native Rafaela Silva, 24, has won the host nation's first gold medal of the Rio 2016 Games today (8 August) beating Mongolia's Sumiya Dorjsuren of Mongolia in the -57kg final. Silva scored waza-ari over Dorjsuren with a throw a little over a minute into the final and was able to hold on to that lead amid deafening cheering from the stands.
The Brazilian judoka was disqualified in the early rounds at London 2012. The referees decided that Silva, who had actually won the match, applied a blow that is no longer allowed under the new rules of judo.
Born in the notorious City of God community in Rio de Janeiro, Rafaela had the strong support of the fans in the Carioca Arena 2, and especially from her family who were there to support her.
"It really helped me with momentum and the pressure against my opponents. The stadium was shaking, everybody was screaming and cheering me up every minute."