Career background
Menezes, who grew up in one of Brazil’s poorest states in the north, was nine when she first joined a judo training session at her primary school. She initially lied about her whereabouts to her disapproving parents in order to keep practising.
She was handed a university scholarship as a result of her athletic talents.
Did you know?
Menezes is seeking to become the first Brazilian woman to win a judo gold medal at an Olympics.
