Brazilian team for Judo Pan Ams announced

After claiming three podium places at the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Judo World Cup in Antalya, Turkey, in April, the Brazilian team for the 2018 IBSA Judo Pan American Championships has been announced.

Thirteen athletes will represent their country in Calgary, Canada, on 20 May.

Brazil will be represented in all categories except one, and the women’s +70kg will feature two of their judokas.

Rebeca Souza claimed a third place in Antalya and Meg Emmerich is also expected to shine having secured impressive results at national competitions. It will be Emmerich’s international debut for Brazil.

"It's my first international competition. I'm speechless, very happy,” she said. “My goal is to give my best and bring victory. Show that I am capable and overcome myself.”

Lucia Araujo and Alana Maldonado – winners of a bronze and silver medal respectively at the World Cup – also headline the field. Wilians Araujo and Antonio Tenorio, both Paralympic silver medallists, join a strong group in the men’s competition.

The Brazilian team will leave for Calgary on 16 May. Before then, they will complete training sessions at the Paralympic Training Centre in Sao Paulo.

Women

Luiza Guterres Oliano -48kg

Karla Ferreira Cardoso -52kg

Maria Nubea dos Santos Lins -57kg

Lúcia da Silva Teixeira Araújo -63kg

Alana Martins Maldonado -70kg

Meg Rodrigues Vitorino Emmerich -70kg

Rebeca de Souza Silva -70kg

Men

Thiego Marques da Silva -60kg

Luan Simões Pimentel -73kg

Harlley Damião Pereira Arruda -81kg

Arthur Cavalcante da Silva -90kg

Antônio Tenório da Silva -100kg

Wilians Silva Araújo +100kg

The 2018 IBSA Judo Pan American Championships are a key build-up to the 2018 IBSA Judo World Championships in Lisbon, Portugal, from 16-18 November.