Rafaela Silva quickly became a hero in Brazil after becoming the first Brazilian to win a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio. Silva won her gold on Monday at 57 kg in judo. The Brazilian martial artist was a total mess emotionally after winning her medal. It’s easy to understand why.
Silva was born in a favela, living in the City of God until she was eight. She drew interest from those in the favela looking for kids to help them as lookouts. Her parents luckily moved away. They also did the important thing of getting her into judo at age five — something that clearly paid off.
As if coming from a favela weren’t enough, Silva also dealt with great racism, especially at the London Olympics.
You don’t need to speak Portuguese to be moved by Silva’s emotions after capturing gold:
Muito emocionada, Rafaela Silva comemora ouro e lembra eliminação na Olimpíada de Londres. pic.twitter.com/jXxAx1CmT2
— Geração Z (@GeracaoZBrasil) August 8, 2016
Brazil has its first gold medal in #Rio2016. Here's the story of winner Rafaela Silva: https://t.co/Xc9MTfizWo pic.twitter.com/F3azCy8lbw
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) August 8, 2016
