Rafaela Silva was a heroine in Brazil. At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Judoka won the first gold medal for their home country. Previously, she was also the first Brazilian judo world champion. And because Silva grew up in Rio's slum Cidade de Deus for asserting herself against racism and fighting depression, she became a symbol, an example of how to make it in the most adverse circumstances.
Now Rafaela Silva has to return her gold medal from Rio. Reason for this: doping. This was announced by the Pan-American sports organization Panam Sports. The 27-year-old had been tested positive for the banned asthma remedy fenoterol. So far Silva has not been locked.
Silva struggles
"I'm clean, I'll keep training and fight for proof of my innocence," Silva said at a press conference on Friday. At the Games in Rio 2016 Silva had won in class up to 57 kilograms. "I did not take this substance, I do not have asthma," Silva said.
The positive sample was taken on August 9th at the Pan American Games. The gold medal was subsequently awarded to the Dominican Ana Rosa.
