Exciting combats, historic results and several countries reaching the podium. The 2013 World Judo Championships, held at Maracanãzinho Arena in Rio were a clear example of what to expect in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. During the seven days of competition, there were some unprecedented results. Azerbaijan, Israel and Kosovo won their first gold medals ever and the women of Brazil and North Korea reached the highest place on the podium for the first time. In total, 23 countries won medals, including 11 golds.

Azerbaijani Elkhan Mammadov (under 100 kg class), Kosovar Majlinda Kelmendi (under 52 kg) and Israeli Yarden Gerbi (under 63 kg) have made world sport history.

“I’m very happy to win Israel’s first world title. I competed for myself and for my whole country”, said Gerbi, who won both the semi-final and final with a unique manoeuvre using her own judogi. “The best part is that it all happened in Rio de Janeiro. Now I’ll take three weeks off in order to travel around Brazil. My body asks for rest”, she added.

Two other judokas achieved unprecedented results in the 2013 World Championships. North Korean Kyong Sol’s opponents did not stand a chance as she won the gold medal in the under 78 kg class. Brazilian Rafaela Silva defeated all her opponents and, after winning silver in the 2011 World Championships, she reached the highest place on the podium. It was Brazil’s first title in women’s events in world championships.

To this end, she needed to beat two Olympic medallists. In the semi-final Rafaela defeated French Automne Pavia, London 2012 bronze medallist and world ranking leader, with a waza-ari. In the final, the young Carioca, only 21 years old, defeated US citizen Marti Malloy by ippon, with a perfect manoeuvre, and cried of joy.

“I came here to become world champion in my home town. It’s great to come from a deprived neighbourhood and be a role model to children. A number of people have talent and determination and only need a little help in order to achieve success. I come from Cidade de Deus and now I’m here. I still didn’t stop to realise that I’m making history. I hope to win the Olympic gold medal in Rio 2016”, Rafaela said. Raquel Silva, her sister, is also a judoka and was among her supporters.

Rafaela was first noticed by Instituto Reação, an NGO led by Olympic bronze medallist Flávio Canto in Rocinha favela. Her gold medal was Brazil’s fifth in world championships. João Derly, from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, won two gold medals (in 2005 and 2007). Luciano Corrêa, from Brasilia, and Tiago Camilo, from the state of São Paulo, won the world title in 2007.