Rafaela Silva wins Brazil’s first gold medal of the Rio Olympics in the 57kg judo

JUDOKA Rafaela Silva has won Brazil’s first gold medal of the Rio Games to complete a fairytale story from growing up in the favelas to becoming Olympic champion.

Brazil's Rafaela Silva, centre, celebrates after winning the gold medal of the women's 57-kg judo

JUDOKA Rafaela Silva upset world number one Sumiya Dorjsuren to win hosts Brazil’s first gold medal of the Rio Games.

Silva, who also won the world title on home soil in 2013, sunk to her knees after winning the under-57kg final with a half point waza-ari score from a leg reap counter attack, before leaping into the stands to hug her supporters.

It marks a fairytale story for Silva who grew up in Cidade de Deus favela — the shanty town made famous in the film City of God.

“I too thank everyone who cheered for me,” she said afterwards. “The people who saw my suffering daily know I did not like to train. But I think no one has trained more than me in this Olympic cycle.”

Silva had raucous support in the Carioca Arena 2 with her family in attendance to watch her claim gold.

Her father had no attended qualification fights because he didn’t feel his nerves could take it.

London champion Kaori Matsumoto of Japan took bronze alongside five-time European champion Telma Monteiro of Portugal.

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Originally published as Rafaela Silva wins Brazil’s first gold medal of the Rio Olympics in the 57kg judo