Substitutes of Tiago Camilo, Both Eduardos Want to Shine in the World Judo Championship
Eduardo Santos and Eduardo Bettoni will compete in the World Judo Championship and show that the Brazilian up-to-90kg category is very well represented
Tiago Camilo (EC Pinheiros / SP) is recognized as one of the greatest Brazilian and world athletes. World champion in 2007, the \"King of Ippon\", will not compete in the World Judo Championship 2013: a shoulder injury kept him out of competition. The 18 athletes composing the Brazilian team will fight, thinking at the athlete who used to be their peer and who will keep his fingers crossed for them. Two judokas will fight in his place: Eduardos Santos and Eduardo Bettoni.
Given the absence of the twice Olympic medalist, Eduardo Santos (Sogipa / RS), previously invited to join the Brazilian team in the Team World competition, will fight in Tiago’s place in the individual up-to-90 kg category, whereas Eduardo Bettoni (Minas Tenis Clube / MG) will replace him in the World Team fights.
\"I was told that I would fight in his place in the individual category after a technical committee’s meeting, when they decided what to do after Tiago’s contusion. I was very sad thinking of Tiago, because I know - everybody knows, - he is a great person, an amazing athlete and he did everything right to be here. On the other hand, of course, I was quite happy for me and for the opportunity to compete in the World Championship, show my work and my value, “said Eduardo Santos.
Bettoni was invited just before the athletes’ presentation and he had to take a quick flight to Rio, where he met the rest of the delegation on Wednesday morning.
\"I was surprised (with the convocation), of course. But it is excellent for me ... I have a very good record in team competitions and I like them. Unfortunately, this was not the way I planned to be within the team, but I intend to replace Tiago very well, he is a great athlete, I\'m his fan. Anyway, now I\'m here to do my best and be ready. I am physically and mentally prepared, “said Eduardo Bettoni.
The World Championship of Rio will take place at Maracanãzinho Venue between August 26th and September 1st. The middleweight category (- 90kg) will compete on Friday, August 30th, at 9 am, while the Team World Championship takes place on Sunday, September 1st, from 9 a.m.
