Telma Monteiro distinguished with the 6th Dan

The judoka of Sport Lisboa e Benfica,Telma Monteiro, was distinguished on Saturday night with the 6th Dan, in a homage carried out by Federação Portuguesa de Judo.

“It is a great honor for me, that I take into consideration, not only has appreciation of what I have done as a judoka, but, above all, as a person and also for everything I commit on and off the tatami. The medals are metals without meaning if our if your behavior as a person does not match your athletic achievements”, wrote the Bronze Medalist in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games on her Facebook Page.

Telma Monteiro thanked all those who have always been with her, in the good and in the bad moments, in a unique career in the sport…

“I thank all my coaches, all my training partners from the clubs I have been at, and the national team, the clubs I have been at, especially my club, Sport Lisboa e Benfica and all my opponents. To my family that throughout my career has helped me to be a judoka and a better person, allowing me to improve up to this moment ", praised the judoka. 

“It was special to have this distinction in the presence of Mr. Sergey Soloveychik, , President of the European Judo Union and Mr. Haruki Uemura, President of  Kodokan. Thank you”, oncluded the Olympic athlete.

Text: Sónia Antunes