"A medal on your chest is a reason to be happy!" – Marcelo wins his first silver medal at a Grand Slam

Marcelo Gomes experienced a special moment in his career when he won his first Grand Slam medal. At the Baku 2025 tournament, the Brazilian judoka in the under-90kg category shone on the mats, taking silver in a campaign marked by determination, talent, and resilience.

"Despite the tiring journey, which lasted an entire day, every moment was worth it. Winning my first Grand Slam medal was an unforgettable experience," celebrated Marcelo, thrilled with the achievement.

Intense preparation at the Gávea Dojo paid off in a competition that brought together some of the world's best judokas. With confidence and focus, he demonstrated his evolution fight after fight. From the first round, Marcelo imposed his rhythm, defeating tough opponents and advancing with authority. In the semifinal, he had a thrilling fight against a renowned European athlete, securing his spot in the grand final.

In the final, he faced Japanese judoka Sanshiro Murao, number two in the world. Despite the defeat, he left the mat with his head held high and certain that he had taken a fundamental step in his career on the world circuit. "It was a great competition! Leaving here with second place, with a medal on my chest, is a source of great happiness. I was able to surpass myself and now I'm even more motivated for the next challenges. Let's go all out!"

More than just silver, Marcelo earned recognition and confidence for the future. His performance in Baku showed that he's on the right path and ready for even greater heights in international judo.