FlaJudo announced this Tuesday the contract renewal of judoka Rafaela Silva, one of the top athletes in Brazilian and international judo, for another year. With this renewal, Rafaela will continue representing the Mais Querido in national and international competitions, elevating the red-and-black team to the highest level of the sport.

An Olympic medalist and world champion, Rafaela's career is marked by achievements and overcoming challenges. Her continued presence at Flamengo reinforces the club's commitment to the development of judo. At the 2023 Santiago South American Games, Rafaela won the gold medal in the under-57kg category, becoming the first Brazilian judo athlete to win an Olympic, world, and Pan-American championship.

Rafaela Silva recalled the main achievement that marked her career as a Flamengo judoka and the most special one wearing the Sacred Kimono:

"There were certainly many competitions, and we don't always win, but the adrenaline that the fans and training partners provide is unique. I believe that when I became a world champion with Flamengo and an Olympic medalist in Paris, those were memorable moments. But if I had to choose, I would say I truly felt what the Nação Rubro-Negra is like in my first competition for the club, a tryout at CEFAN. With the fans cheering, after two years of inactivity, when I won the competition, everyone celebrated together, cheered, and cheered me on. That was my first big moment within the club."

At Flamengo since 2021, Rafaela also spoke about the feeling of renewing with the Mais Querido:

"It's a tremendous privilege to be able to represent the nation, which is so great. The emotion of carrying the Flamengo shield in national and international competitions is indescribable, and it's certainly a great joy to continue with the club."