Brazilian judoka Beatriz Souza made history on August 2, 2024, by winning the country’s first gold medal at the Paris Olympics in the women’s +78kg judo category. The 26-year-old from São Paulo defeated Israeli Raz Hershko in the final match, securing victory with a waza-ari in the first minute and maintaining control throughout the bout.Souza’s path to gold was challenging, including victories over Izayana Marenco of Nicaragua, South Korea’s Hayun Kim, and a significant win against world number one Romane Dicko of France in the semifinals. This Olympic debut victory was particularly sweet for Souza, who had previously lost to Dicko in the 2022 World Championship final.The gold medal performance has elevated Brazil’s position in the medal rankings, moving the country from 32nd to 18th place. It also marks Brazil’s 25th Olympic judo medal, cementing the sport’s status as one of the country’s most successful Olympic disciplines.Souza’s victory carries both personal and national significance. She dedicated her win to her late grandmother and expressed gratitude for her family’s support. ‘When we achieve this, it makes everything worth it. I’m so happy to have made it this far and I hope to bring more medals home,’ Souza told TV Globo.As per the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB), Souza will receive a prize of R$ 350,000 for her gold medal, a 40% increase from the amount awarded at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. This financial boost underscores the importance placed on Olympic success in Brazil.With this historic win, Beatriz Souza becomes the fifth Brazilian judoka to win an Olympic gold medal, joining an elite group that includes Aurélio Miguel, Rogério Sampaio, Sarah Menezes, and Rafaela Silva. Her success has not only brought glory to Brazilian judo but has also inspired a new generation of athletes across the country.
Key points
- Beatriz Souza won Brazil’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the women’s +78kg judo category.
- This is Souza’s Olympic debut, and she defeated world number one Romane Dicko in the semifinals.
- Souza’s victory marks Brazil’s 25th Olympic judo medal, highlighting the country’s strength in the sport.
- The Brazilian Olympic Committee will award Souza R$ 350,000 for her gold medal performance.
