Judoka Leonardo Leite, who is competing in the Brazilian stage of the Judo World Cup, in Belo Horizonte (MG), is closer to realizing his dream of representing his country in a Pan-American Games.

The red-and-black team will soon face Germany's Benjamin Behrla in the semifinals. The winner advances to the final, and the loser takes the bronze medal.

To reach the semifinals, Leonardo fought two fights, winning both. According to the CBJ press office, the red-and-black fighter fought very well in both and has a good chance of defeating the German.