Rafaela Silva has won Brazil’s first gold medal of the Rio Olympics.
In the final of the women’s 57-kilogram division, Silva delivered what her judo compatriots on the first two days of competition could not: victory.
Silva is the country’s first female world judo champion.
Fighting against Mongolia’s top-ranked Sumiya Dorjsuren, Silva flipped Dorjsuren just over a minute into the contest. It was ultimately enough to win.
Silva left the mat in tears as she embraced her coach.
Silva was in top form for much of the day, including a quick 46-second win over her first opponent in which she managed to throw her twice.
She is from Brazil’s largest slum, or favela, and trained at a judo dojo founded by former Olympic bronze medalist Flavio Canto.
Associated Press
