Clarisse Valim: precocious talent and thirst for achievement in Flamengo judo

At just 14 years old, Clarisse Rocha Valim is one of Flamengo's most promising judo players. A native of Rio de Janeiro, the young athlete began judo at the age of four, encouraged by her father, who had already practiced judo. Despite initial reluctance, Clarisse rediscovered judo of her own free will and has never looked back since. After excelling in the U-13 category, she was invited to a training session at the club and soon joined the Flamengo team, where she now competes in the U-18 category. A two-time Pan American and Brazilian champion, Clarisse has also reached the podium in international competitions in Europe and is inspired by great names in the sport, such as Rafaela Silva and Flamengo coach Andrea Portella. With discipline and passion, she pursues her path to even greater heights in judo.

Beginning in judo
Clarisse started judo at the age of four, influenced by her father, a brown belt. The sport was offered at her school, and he quickly encouraged his daughter to participate. At first, she disliked the classes and said daily that she wanted to quit. At eight, after years of insisting she leave the sport, her father decided to give her the freedom to choose. She spent a week away from the mat and, missing the routine, asked to return. From that moment on, she decided to pursue judo of her own free will—and has never stopped since.

Arrival at Flamengo
Clarisse's connection with Flamengo began in the U-13s, when she already knew some of the club's athletes and coaches, although she hadn't yet trained there. At the end of that same year, she was invited to participate in a training session, pleased the coaching staff, and was officially called up to the team. Since then, she has progressed through the U-15s and is currently playing for Flamengo in the first year of the U-18s.

Day to day at Flamengo
Intense, yet very welcoming. After almost three years at the club, she already feels completely at home and highlights the good relationships with coaches, physiotherapists, and other professionals in the department. Despite the physical and emotional demands of the training routine, she says she feels happy and motivated in the red-and-black environment.

Career difficulties
Injuries have been the biggest challenge in her career so far. For Clarisse, the feeling of wanting to continue training and competing, but being prevented by physical limitations, is deeply frustrating. Dealing with the recovery process and respecting her body's limits are part of an athlete's journey, and she approaches this with responsibility and maturity.

idols
Rafaela Silva is Clarisse's main inspiration in judo. She emphasizes the importance of training in a place where an Olympic and world champion also trains, which shows that it's possible to follow the same path with effort and dedication. Clarisse also admires Karol Gimenes, a red-and-black athlete who lives with her at the dojo, and Sensei Andrea Portella, who is now her coach on the Cadet team and accompanies her in preparation for the U-18 World Cup.

Main achievements
Two-time Pan American champion
Two-time Brazilian champion
Third place in Poland
Third place in Croatia
Third place in Germany
Three-time regional Brazilian champion

Technical sheets

Name: Clarisse Rocha Valim
Date of birth: 13/10/2010
Age: 14 years
Height: 1,64 m
Place of Birth: Rio de Janeiro (RJ)