29/05/2010 00:00:00
Brazilian National Team
Brazil finishes the first day of the São Paulo World Cup with six medals
The São Paulo World Cup is worth points for the world and Olympic ranking of the International Judo Federation. This is the biggest World Cup Brazil has ever held. There are 319 judokas from 37 countries taking part. Around four thousand people have come to Hebraica to support the Brazilian athletes competing.
The first Brazilian gold medal on Saturday came after a green and yellow final. Like a rerun from the last World Cup in Belo Horizonte in 2009, Sarah Menezes defeated Taciana Lima by ippon. The judoka, who is two times champion of the world U-20, stressed the importance of having two Brazilian judokas on the highest spots of the podium.
“Having more than one athlete on the podium is always special to any country, especially in a competition at home. I’m always determined to win. These points are essential to continue being on of the best rated judokas in the world ranking and mainly to qualify for the Olympic Games in 2012”, said Sarah Menezes, who defeated by ippon the Olympic medalist Paula Pareto from Argentina.
In the -70kg category, Bruno Mendonça won his first title in a World Cup. Originally from Santos, the judoka was congratulated by the Olympic Champion Rogério Sampaio for his gold medal.
“Rogério is an icon, I have a lot to learn from him. I’m in a category that has for many years been dominated by Leandro Guilheiro and I’m doing my part, evolving and trying to find my space. I’m very happy with this result”, guaranteed Bruno Mendonça, who at the final defeated the Russian Mansur Isaev, rated fourth in the world ranking. The referees disqualified the russian for an illegal attack.
Being defeated by a Brazilian didn’t lessen Taciana Lima’s frustration. However, the judoka says it is important to keep on fighting for medals.
“A Brazilian final is special, but even though I won the silver medal, I still lost. I think I did well and now I will continue working towards winning more medals”, said Taciana.
The bronze medals won by Brazil were literally cried over. Felipe Kitadai, Felipe Phelim and Luiz Revite shed many tears with for the medals; each one for a special reason.
“For some time I have been almost getting a medal in these events, but it never really happened. I had never felt like I did today, winning in front of a Brazilian crowd, in my home city, with my family cheering me on. It is so important for my category to win these points”, said a very emotional Felipe Kitadai, who overcame Valtteri Jokinen from Finland by ippon.
“A film flashes in your head at that moment; you see all the tournaments and difficult moments you have been through. It is incredible and I hope I get to cry like this many more times”, continued Luiz Revite. In the bronze medal dispute, Revite defeated the experienced Leandro Cunha, also from Brazil, by ippon.
Felipe Phelim highlighted the strength of the new generation of the Brazilian Judo.
“Our judo has many great judokas. The new generation of athletes is completely able to have good results. I gave it my best in the World Cup and I know I still have a lot to work on, but with the support we have nowadays we can dream big”, said Felipe.
