Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding judo players who all are your fans, they shall like to know from you, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in this field?
Ms. Telma Monteiro:
First off all, set a goal, you must know where you are going so you can set a plan. That’s what you’ll have in your mind in hard moments. Remember that you have to do your best every single train, and even this way, be ready that sometimes you will not be enough to be successful. Don´t be afraid to fail and to think big, just make sure you’re doing everything you can to reach what you want. And don´t give up, it will be worth it!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
How was your experience when you won your first-ever Olympic medal after taking the bronze in the women’s –57 kg event?
Ms. Telma Monteiro:
For me, it was really special, because I went to the Olympic Games for the first time at the age of 18, in Athens 2004, throughout my career, I dreamed and I believed in this moment. I was a favorite in Beijing 2008 and finished in 9th, I was a favorite in London and lost again, I knew I was going to Rio at the age of 30 and trying to reach the podium would be a great challenge, and above all I had surgery on my left knee only 6 months before the Olympics, rip my inner side ligament. I was struggling against time in my recovery, and against the statistics, I felt most people did not believe I could do this. But that did not scare me, or knock me over. I knew I could do this, and I turned every minute of preparation into gold.
It was wonderful, after 12 years, and in this condition win for the first time, my Olympic medal. I could never imagine something so special.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Who has been your greatest influence and motivator in your success in the field of your career?
Ms. Telma Monteiro:
During my career, my sister was my biggest influence because she was very strong when I started practicing judo and she always supported me. But in general, my judo friends have helped a lot of training, and all the athletes I’ve been seeing fighting over the years and people I’ve trained with. I am a very observant person, so I´m inspired by simple things.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Tell us about your preparations for the future Games and Championships.
Ms. Telma Monteiro:
This will be my last Olympic cycle. So I’m focused on achieving some goals like being world champion and qualifying for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, strong enough to feel that I can fight for another medal. So for this, I will concentrate on competing in the major events, and keep my training at a high level, not just physically, but also technically. I continue to do some international training camps to maintain the high level of training partners and try to understand what I should improve.
Video
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
