Judo is one of the most practiced and respected martial arts in the world, and Brazil has a rich history in the sport, especially on the women’s scene. Over the years, several Brazilian athletes have stood out, winning titles, breaking records and inspiring generations. In this article, we’ll explore the careers of the 10 best Brazilian women judokas of all time, highlighting their achievements, curiosities and contributions to the sport.
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Best Brazilian women judokas of all time: women’s judo in Brazil
In recent decades, women’s judo in Brazil has experienced significant growth in terms of popularity and participation;
The sport is no longer predominantly male and has attracted an increasing number of women, who excel in all age groups, from beginners to elite athletes.
Brazilian judoka have achieved success in international competitions, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, Pan American Games and other prestigious events.
Medal winners such as Sarah Menezes, Mayra Aguiar, Rafaela Silva and Érika Miranda have become sporting icons and inspire a new generation of athletes.
Keep reading to find out about all the best Brazilian women judokas of all time!
Many Brazilian judoka have faced personal and social challenges in their journeys in sport. Coming from different backgrounds and realities, these athletes have shown resilience and determination to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Women have played a crucial role in the development of judo in Brazil, both as high-performance athletes and as coaches, referees, officials and educators. Their involvement has helped to promote gender equality in sport and strengthen the Brazilian judo community.
The success of Brazilian judoka serves as a source of inspiration for young athletes, especially girls, who see judo not only as a sporting activity, but also as an opportunity for personal growth, overcoming obstacles and making dreams come true.
Keep reading to discover all the best Brazilian women judokas of all time!
Overall, women’s judo in Brazil is on the rise, with a promising future and a solid base of talented athletes who continue to raise the country’s name on the national and international stage.
- Sarah Menezes
Titles: Olympic Champion (London 2012), World Champion (2013), Pan American Champion, among others.
Team: Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.
Curiosities: first Brazilian woman to win an Olympic gold medal in judo.
History: Born in Teresina, Piauí, she started judo at the age of 5 and became one of the country’s greatest athletes.
Record: youngest Olympic medalist in the history of Brazilian judo.
- Mayra Aguiar
Titles: Three-time Olympic medalist (Bronze in London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020), three-time World Champion, among others.
Team: Sogipa (Sociedade de Ginástica Porto Alegre).
Curiosities: is one of the most decorated athletes in Brazilian judo, known for her technique and determination.
History: Born in Porto Alegre, she started judo at the age of 5 and has been racking up achievements ever since.
Record: first Brazilian judoka to win three Olympic medals.
Read on to discover all the best Brazilian women judokas of all time!
- Rafaela Silva
Titles: Olympic Champion (Rio 2016), World Champion, Pan American Champion, among others.
Team: Instituto Reação.
Curiosities: he overcame adversity and became a symbol of overcoming in sport.
History: Raised in Cidade de Deus, in Rio de Janeiro, Rafaela found in judo a way to escape the difficult reality in which she lived.
Record: first Brazilian woman to win an Olympic gold medal in judo on home soil.
- Érika Miranda
Titles: World and Pan-American Championship medalist, as well as Grand Prix and Grand Slam victories.
Team: Minas Tênis Clube.
Curiosities: One of the most consistent Brazilian judokas on the international scene.
History: Born in Brasília, she started judo at the age of 5 and quickly excelled in the sport.
Record: one of the Brazilian athletes with the most medals in international competitions.
Read on to discover all the best Brazilian women judokas of all time!
- Ketleyn Quadros
Titles: Olympic medalist (Bronze in Beijing 2008), medalist in World and Pan-American Championships.
Team: Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.
Curiosities: first Brazilian woman to win an Olympic medal in judo.
History: Born in Brasília, Ketleyn started judo at the age of 8 and became one of the country’s leading representatives of the sport.
Record: first Brazilian judoka to win an Olympic medal.
- Maria Portela
Titles: World and Pan-American Championship medalist, as well as Grand Prix and Grand Slam titles.
Team: Sogipa (Sociedade de Ginástica Porto Alegre).
Curiosities: Known for its refined technique and aggressive fighting.
History: Born in Porto Alegre, Maria started judo at the age of 9 and quickly made a name for herself on the national and international stage.
Record: one of the most experienced Brazilian judokas in international competitions.
Keep reading to find out about all the best Brazilian women judokas of all time!
- Mariana Silva
Titles: World and Pan-American Championship medalist, as well as Grand Prix and Grand Slam victories.
Team: Instituto Reação.
Curiosities: she represented Brazil in several international competitions, contributing to the growth of women’s judo.
History: Born in Rio de Janeiro, Mariana found a passion for judo from childhood and went on to have a successful career in the sport.
Record: one of the most versatile Brazilian judokas, competing in different weight categories.
- Danielle Zangrando
Titles: World and Pan-American Championship medalist, as well as Grand Prix and Grand Slam victories.
Team: Esporte Clube Pinheiros.
Curiosities: he had a distinguished career in Brazilian judo, representing the country in several international competitions.
History: Born in São Paulo, Danielle started judo at the age of 9 and has dedicated herself to the sport ever since, achieving success in her career.
Record: one of the most consistent Brazilian judokas in high-level competitions.
Read on to discover all the best Brazilian women judokas of all time!
- Rafaela Lopes Silva
Titles: World and Pan-American Championship medalist, as well as Grand Prix and Grand Slam victories.
Team: Sesi-SP.
Curiosities: Known for her refined technique and determination in combat.
History: Born in Teresina, Rafaela started judo at the age of 8 and since then has been accumulating achievements in her career.
Record: One of the youngest Brazilian judokas to represent the country in international competitions.
- Maria Suelen Altheman
Titles: World and Pan American Championship medalist, as well as Grand Prix and Grand Slam victories.
Team: Esporte Clube Pinheiros.
Curiosities: one of the best Brazilian women judokas in the heavyweight category.
History: Born in São Paulo, Maria Suelen started judo at the age of 10 and has since excelled in the heavyweight category, representing Brazil in various competitions.
Record: one of the most dominant Brazilian judokas in her weight category.
List of the best Brazilian women judokas of all time
- Sarah Menezes
- Mayra Aguiar
- Rafaela Silva
- Érika Miranda
- Ketleyn Quadros
- Maria Portela
- Mariana Silva
- Danielle Zangrando
- Rafaela Lopes Silva
- Maria Suelen Altheman
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