Source: Xinhua
08-08-2008 07:34
Special Report: 2008 Beijing Olympic GamesRIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian judoka Andressa Fernandes was authorized to travel to Beijing on Thursday to replace her teammate Erika Miranda, who had to withdraw from the Olympic Games due to a knee injury.
Rogerio Sampaio, 1992 judo Olympic champion and owner of the gym Fernandes attends since she was eight, said that things might have been easier if the athlete was called earlier.
According to the Brazilian Judo Confederation, Erika Miranda was injured on July 22, before the judo team left Brazil.
"After all I have gone through to conquer the right to compete in the Olympics, I will fight with all my strength to bring a medal to Brazil. I will give my best," Fernandes said.
Fernandes is due to arrive in Beijing on Saturday morning. Her first fight will take place on Sunday.
Editor:Yang Lina
