“I'm very happy with this medal,” celebrates Rafaela Silva after bronze at the Astana Grand Slam

Flamengo judoka and Olympic champion Rafaela Silva continues to demonstrate her strength on the international stage. This Saturday (10), she won the bronze medal at the Astana Grand Slam in Kazakhstan, one of the most important tournaments on the International Judo Federation's world circuit. It was the red-and-black's second international medal in 2025 — her first in a Grand Slam since her change in category.

In excellent form, Rafaela has been consolidating her adaptation to the new weight division and showing technical improvement with each competition. "I'm very happy with this medal. I came close in the semifinal against the Japanese, but I think I competed well today," said the athlete, who reached the semifinals and ended her participation with a victory in the bronze medal match.

Throughout the day, Rafa demonstrated consistency and confidence, two elements that have marked his season. "I was able to put my judo into practice in the newaza and tachi-waza. I'm happy with my performance," he said. "I also won bronze at the Pan American Games, so I've been building that consistency in this new category."

The medal won in Astana is symbolic: it's the athlete's first Grand Slam podium finish in the new category—a significant milestone in the Olympic cycle leading up to Los Angeles 2028 and reinforcing Rafaela's prominence in world judo. "I believe the work is being done well. Now it's time to keep working hard, believing in the process," she added.