This week as she announces her retirement, we can only stand back, hats off, and applaud; a 5-time Olympian, 5 times a world medallist and 11 times a European medallist, all at the senior level. Of her 15 continental medals, 7 were won consecutively and 6 of them were golds. It is an incredible testimony to Monteiro’s work ethic, determination and legacy, not only in her native Portugal but around the world.
First appearing on what is now the World Judo Tour as a teenager, Telma Monteiro has fought in 3 different decades at the highest level, has inspired countless young judoka and has never once paused her hunt for improvement and excellence, an approach symbolised by the medals, as already mentioned, but also by her clear adherence to a set of personal and professional values which have guided her throughout.
Odette Giuffrida (ITA), double Olympic medallist and current world champion, said of her friend’s retirement, “I’m still trying to find the words for this moment. I am looking for the right words to explain to the world the importance of having had Telma Monteiro, since forever, as a reference point and having had the good fortune to live close to not only the incomparable athlete but also the special person that she is."
"Telma, it is about being able to see you overcome things that would have been impossible for anyone else, seeing you fall but always find the strength to get up with your own arms, seeing you at the limit and then seeing you overcome it, every single time. I have seen you take on everything with fire in your eyes, fearless but always with a smile and a crazy energy. All of this has been a great example in my career and in my everyday life. Thank you for everything.”
There is no better testimony than that of one’s peers and so in the words of Odette, Telma, thank you for everything.
