The challenge is just beginning. CRFlamengo judoka Leonardo Leite competed in the Hamburg Super World Cup this Sunday (24/2) and finished in ninth place.

Now, the red-black team will have a new commitment to try to secure a place as the starter in the light heavyweight category (-100kg) for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Leonardo felt the pressure right from his debut, against Dutchman Elco Van Der Geest, who defeated the Brazilian by yuko. With this result, Leonardo advanced to the repechage, where he faced and defeated Romanian Daniel Brata by koka. Leonardo then suffered a wazari defeat to Greek Dionysis Iliadis.

On March 1st and 2nd, the Brazilian national team's Group 2, which includes Leonardo Leite, will compete in the World Cup in Prague. To continue competing for a starting spot, the red-and-black team must achieve a better result in the next competition.