Paris 2024 marks her tenth Olympic Games and this is not a small fact. In Seoul in 1988 she was a training partner for the women’s demonstration event but in Barcelona in 1992 she competed for her beloved Brazil. She was an athlete again in Atlanta before retiring and arriving in Sydney as a technical assistant for the Brazilian team.
At the Athens Olympic Games, in 2004, her role changed again and she was a base coach, looking after athletes before heading to their competition. This role grew and in 2008 she was the national coach for Ketleyn Quadros when she won a bronze medal. At the London 2012 Games Rosicleia coached young Sarah Menezes, now the Brazilian national coach herself, to the Olympic gold.
Sarah’s was not Rosicleia’s only judoka to win Olympic gold; Rafaela Silva became Olympic champion at home in Rio de Janeiro 4 years later, with Rosicleia in the coaching team.
For the 2020 Games there was a new role for her, that of CBJ Technical Co-ordinator and at that Games Mayra Aguiar won her 3rd bronze medal, having also won bronze in 2012 and 2016.
Heading into her tenth Olympic Games and, always open to new adventures, Rosicleia Campos is involved in a whole new way, working as a sports commentator for Brazil’s biggest sport TV channel.
Rosi said, “For me it’s amazing because I love judo and since I retired from my position as National Coach I have found new ways to enjoy the Games. I am still coaching at my club in Brazil, Flamengo, and we will have Rafaela competing in Paris. I will be working for Sport TV in Brazil commentating on the judo in Paris. Seeing judo, talking about judo, feeling judo makes me feel alive!”
Ten Olympic Games is an outstanding testament to Rosicleia Campos’ knowledge but even more her passion for the sport. Long may it continue; we look forward to catching up in Los Angeles!