The dream of representing the country at the Olympics is getting closer for four CRFlamengo judokas.

After the VI Brazilian Interclub Judo Trophy, held last Saturday (25/8), in Salvador, the judokas will have to face the challenges of the Brazilian Senior Championship, which will be held between the 28th and 30th of September, in Brasília (DF). Both are qualifiers for the pre-Olympic selection that will define the Brazilian team for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Ricardo Ayres and Rodrigo Artilheiro secured their spots in the qualifiers after winning their respective lightweight and heavyweight divisions at the Brazil Trophy. Two other judokas are also expected to represent the red-and-black team in another Olympic qualifier.

Leonardo Leite, a member of the Brazilian B team, and Jorge Conti Viana, the 2007 Pan American Junior champion, will also be in contention for an Olympic spot. Both are strong names in the CRF dojo and fully capable of securing their spots.

The pre-Olympic selection will be held on October 6th.

Photo: Jorge Conti became a three-time Pan American champion at the beginning of the year and will try to qualify to represent Brazil in Beijing 2008.