Training Camp brings together 39 countries in Rio de Janeiro

The International Training Camp of the Rio Grand Slam brought together, in Maracanãzinho, the main athletes of the judo world. From the 40 teams that disputed the Grand Slam, only Japan did not take part in the cap, which is sort of a celebration of the sport. After the Training Camp, the judokas went to São Paulo, where they dispute this weekend (29 and 30), at the Hebraica Sports Club, the World Cup – also worth points for the Olympic ranking.

For the Olympic medalist Flavio Canto the Training Camp is the spirit of judo.

“Judo has this peculiarity, after a big event, it gathers its athletes to practice together and exchange experiences. I think it is very healthy and important this exchange of information and culture. The judoka has to know that it is this learning experience that he will take with him for the rest of his life”, said Flávio Canto.

The Olympic Champion Ilias Iliadis, from Greece, has come back to Brazil after three years. One of the reasons for coming back to the country is the possibility to be in this Training Camp.

“Judo is going through some important changes and it is extremely important to be in as many events as possible. I wasn’t at the Grand Slam in Rio in 2009, but I was really impress with its organization. I was very welcomed in Brazil and I will surely return many times”, said Iliadis, gold medalist at the Athens 2004 Olympics Games and two times runner up at world championships.

Unlike the greek judoka, Emanual Lucenti from Argentina is used to come to Brazil. The last time was in 2009, when he disputed the International Challenge in Maringá and Vitória.

“I love coming to Brazil and having the chance to practice with Olympic Medalists and World Champions is very important to any judoka”, he said.