Rafaela Silva, raised in the notorious Rio slum of Cidade de Deus, just won a gold medal in women’s judo on Monday, according to the Washington Post. Less than an hour later, residents were forced to cower indoors as the road became the scene of a gunfight between police and drug traffickers for the second night running. Born into the notorious Didade de Deus (City of God) favela, she had a hard upbringing.
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Judo: Rafaela Silva upset world number one Sumiya Dorjsuren to win hosts Brazil’s first gold medal of the Rio Games on Monday.
On the one hand, the Games provide an opportunity for local athletes to shine on a global stage and for Brazil to show how far it has come in alleviating poverty. On the other, they draw attention to crime and other social problems that are the day-to-day reality for millions in a country that still has a long way to go in raising living standards.
On Monday, Silva – propelled by a boisterous crowd that erupted with excitement anytime she made a move on the mat – was almost flawless while competing in the women’s 57kg (125.5 lbs) Olympic tournament. “I could still be playing in City of God, but thanks to God, I got involved in sports ― and here I am, world champion and Olympic champion”.
Somewhere, all of Brazil’s poor and Rio’s favelas were marking Rafaela’s gold medal as their own.
She then left the mat in floods of tears before flopping into her coach’s arms.
Graffiti inside the Cidade de Deus.
The Americans’ second straight Olympic triumph was never in doubt, their score of 184.897 at the Rio Games more than eight points clear of the field. Defending Olympic champion Nathan Adrian had a tougher time in the 100-meter freestyle, grabbing the 16th and final spot for Tuesday night’s semifinals. “But I proved my place is in sport and in judo”, said Silva, 24, who was born in the notoriously violent City of God favela made famous by a gritty film of the same name in 2002. “It’s great for kids who are watching judo now”.
Officials said they were delighted with the course and said twice as many species were now found there compared to before. “But Rafaela gives us prestige”.
Scott Hend (L) and Marcus Fraser of Australia watch their drives during a training session in Rio de Janeiro Monday. I’ve been lifting weights for 22 years and it’s time to retire. Later, a little composed, she told reporters how she felt: “God knows how much I’ve suffered and what I’ve done to get here. However we need to correct it”. “Rafaela’s victory is very important for us”. “She was afraid to look at her computer in case she d see even worse things written about her”. But it should not detract from the fact that the situation here is still precarious when it comes to the economy and crime.
But there were no detractors among the partisan Brazilian crowd at the Olympic Park, which erupted in patriotic cheers at her victory, shouting “Ra-fa, Ra-fa”.
Officials said they hoped to counter the top players’ absence by winning over converts.
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“She was a fighter, a real warrior just like you saw”, he said, as he coated the fried dough treats with cinnamon and sugar.
