The Brazilian judo team had a golden Saturday (7) at the Paralympic Games in Paris (France), with Arthur Silva, Willians Araújo and Rebeca Silva occupying the highest place on the podium in their respective categories in the Campo de Marte arena.
The first Brazilian to shine was Arthur Silva from Rio Grande do Norte. At 32 years of age, he was the best in the under 90 kilo category of the J1 class (totally blind or with light perception) by beating the British Daniel Powell, by ipponin the decision.
“Total gratitude to God, to my family, to all the professionals and training partners who have been with me since 2007”, said the Paralympic champion.
Then it was Wilians Araújo’s turn to win his first gold medal at the Paralympic Games. Silver in Rio (2016), the judoka defeated ippon in the final of the over 90 kilo category of the J1 class the fighter Ion Basoc, from Moldova.
“The fight with the Moldovan was very difficult, as he was an opponent I lost to in May. It was 3-1 [em número de vitórias diante desse adversário] and now it’s 4-1, and it’s great to build this story”, declared the Paraíba native.
Brazil’s gold medal haul in judo this Saturday was completed by São Paulo’s Rebeca Silva, who beat Cuban Sheyla Hernandez Estupinan by ippon in the final of the over 70 kilos category for J2 athletes (low vision).
“I can’t believe it. I’m so proud to have won the gold medal with my family present. It’s such a joy. I still can’t believe it,” said the emotional athlete who made her Paralympic Games debut in Paris.
In addition to the gold medals, the Brazilian judo team secured, this Saturday, a silver medal with Erika Zoaga from Mato Grosso do Sul, in the over 70 kilos category of the J1 class, and a bronze medal with Marcelo Casanova from Rio Grande do Sul in the up to 90 kilos category for J2 athletes.
