The Portuguese Olympic Bronze medalist in Rio 2016 in Judo, -57kg, category, and the best Judo athlete in this sport history in Portugal, with five European titles, in a total of 11 medals in this competition, besides five medals in Judo World Championships, Telma Monteiro, wrote a message to all participants in the three European Universities Championships Coimbra 2017 (Judo, Karate and Taekwondo) participants, which will be held next week. Telma Monteiro has also competed in this event, several years ago, and won the European Universities title, curiously in Coimbra.

“The Universities competitions are the example of how athletes can conciliate academic and sporting life, even high performance sport. Competing in such events allows shows the society and youngsters that message.

I had the happiness of being European University champion in Coimbra, several years ago, a city where now these European Championships are going to be held, and it was without any doubt an unique experience for its symbolism and the opportunity to compete at home.

I congratulate in advance all of the participants and the ones who made it possible to bring such an important event to Coimbra and I hope the biggest success to all student-athletes that will compete in these three European Universities Championships (Judo, Karate and Taekwondo). Being present is a victory itself.

Good luck to all and enjoy Coimbra!”