Portugal has the world’s best female judo fighter in the under-57 kilos category.
In an updated ranking released on February 12 by the International Judo Federation (IJF), 29-year-old Telma Monteiro appears as the world’s no.1 judoka, with 2.136 points, ahead of Automne Pavia (2,110) and Miryam Roper (1.904).
“I’m no.1 in the world ranking,” the judo master wrote with an exclamation mark on her Facebook page, admitting to feeling “proud” and “happy to put Portugal at the top of the world”.
Monteiro, who represents S. L. Benfica, has won 112 of the 146 fights she has officially taken part in and boasts 15 medals in both European and World Championships. She previously represented Portugal at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
