The activities offered this week at the Training Camp – Olympic Edition, held at the Maria Lenk Aquatic Park, did not involve medal competitions. But, the high potential young talents were able to get a taste of victory. After all, besides taking part in sport clinics and listening to talks delivered by famous athletes and coaches, part of them had the opportunity of training with judo top performers like Olympic Games Athens 2004 bronze medalist Flávio Canto.

For two whole hours of practice, the Olympic medalist talked about his career, presented his methods, some of the most important techniques and provided guidance on technical improvement.   “Not just today, but throughout the week they had an upgrade their competitors lack and will have a head start.  They had a chance to check out the different styles coaches coming from different schools and backgrounds”, he said. 

To 15 year-old Matheus Garcia, this Training Camp was critical for improved competition performance.  “I’ve learned a lot in just one week. Moves will be easier for me now when the time comes”,   said Pan American judo championship bronze medalist, in Colombia last year.  

During his visit Flávio Canto recalled that Brazil has a significant potential and junior athletes may become Olympic medalists within a short period of time.  Jorge Gomes Júnior, aged 14, is one of the many athletes dreaming about victory and support from friends at the Olympic Games 2016, most of all if Rio is elected to host the event.  “I’m training to get there, but before that I want to do my best in several championships”, reported three-time state championship pre-juvenile medalist.

The Olympic athlete also underlined the significance of sport to the consolidation of values in this phase. Influenced by the Samurai Code of Ethics, judo has principles that are reflected on the lives of these youths. “To these athletes this is the beginning of a long journey and every second must be used for additional learning”, he advises. 

Promoted by the Brazilian Olympic Committee (BOC), the Training Camp was sponsored by International Olympic Committee (IOC) Olympic Solidarity Program.