Telma Monteiro is a household name in Portuguese sports, being the most decorated judoka in the country’s history. With an impressive resume that includes medals in European, World, and even Olympic championships, Telma is a true judo icon. And since it’s her birthday today, we decided to take a look back at her senior European titles. But wait, we mentioned six titles, not five. If you’re doing the math and think it’s a mistake, keep reading to find out where the sixth title comes from!
1 – 2006 European Judo Championship in Tampere
Telma Monteiro’s golden journey began in Northern Europe, in the city of Tampere, Finland. In 2006, the Portuguese judoka competed in the -52 kg category and emerged victorious, claiming her first senior European title. This year was particularly special for Telma, as she also won the European under-23 title, making her a double European champion. It was the start of a brilliant career that would see her become the world’s number one in her category.
2 – 2007 European Judo Championship in Belgrade
Just a year later, Telma Monteiro shone again, winning her second European title in Belgrade, Serbia. Still competing in the -52 kg category, Telma became a two-time European champion. The year 2007 was also marked by her first silver medal at the World Championships, a feat Telma would repeat three more times throughout her career. This achievement solidified her position as one of the world’s best judokas.
3 – 2009 European Judo Championship in Tbilisi
After a tough year in 2008, which included injuries, personal challenges, and disappointment at the Olympics, Telma Monteiro showed her resilience in 2009. Switching to the -57 kg category, the judoka returned to the top of the European podium in Tbilisi, Georgia. This category change proved to be a wise decision, paving the way for even more success. That same year, Telma won silver again at the World Championships, proving she was at the peak of her form.
4 – 2012 European Judo Championship in Chelyabinsk
Three years later, Telma Monteiro was crowned European champion once more, this time in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk. After a bronze in 2010 and a silver in 2011, the Portuguese judoka returned to the top of the podium in the -57 kg category. The city of Chelyabinsk holds fond memories for Telma, as it was also where she won her last silver medal at the World Championships in 2014.
5 – 2014 European Judo Championship in Warsaw
Telma Monteiro’s fifth European title was achieved in Warsaw, Poland, in 2014. Competing again in the -57 kg category, Telma demonstrated her superiority and experience once more. This victory further cemented her legacy, placing her name in history as one of the greatest judokas of all time. But if we’ve counted five titles so far, where’s the sixth?
6 – 2015 European Games in Baku
Here’s the sixth title! The 2015 European Games in Baku marked the inaugural edition of this event, and Telma Monteiro couldn’t have missed the opportunity to make history. Although this competition has characteristics that make it similar to the Olympics, the European title was awarded to the winners. So, by winning the gold medal in Baku, Telma secured her sixth European title. It was a memorable achievement and an important milestone in her career, placing her among the greatest legends of European judo.
And since we’re celebrating her birthday, all we can do is congratulate Telma Monteiro on all her achievements and the incredible career she’s built so far.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Telma Monteiro’s most notable achievement?
A: Telma Monteiro is the most decorated judoka in Portuguese history, with six European titles and multiple World Championship medals.