In this captivating interview, judoka Djamila Silva, born in Lisbon and representing Cape Verde, shares her remarkable journey in the sport of judo. Starting her career at the tender age of four, Djamila quickly rose through the ranks, earning multiple medals at the African Championships and representing Cape Verde on the world stage, including the Olympics.
Djamila discusses the cultural and sporting differences between Portugal and Cape Verde, the challenges of balancing her training with work and studies, and the significant milestones in her career, such as her silver medal at the 2024 African Championships. She also reflects on her passion for psychology and psychotherapy, and how she plans to contribute to the development of judo and support future generations after her competitive career.
This interview provides an in-depth look at the determination, resilience, and dedication that have defined Djamila Silva’s journey, offering inspiration to aspiring athletes and insight into the life of a world-class judoka.
On the 28th July, Djamila Silva lost to Larissa Pimenta of Brazil in the Women’s 52kg Judo Round of 32 at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Who is Djamila Silva?
Judoka Djamila Silva was born in Lisbon, Portugal on 13 August 1996 and has become a prominent figure in African judo. She has represented Cape Verde in numerous international competitions, making her mark in the -52kg category.
Her judo career began early, and she quickly rose through the ranks. In 2016, Djamila secured a silver medal at the Junior African Championships. She transitioned to senior-level competition, where she faced tough challenges but remained resilient. Since 2017, she has competed in seven World Championships.
Djamila has consistently performed well at the African Championships, earning three medals in total. She won silver medals in 2022 in Oran and 2024 in Cairo, and a bronze medal in 2023 in Casablanca.
In addition to her success at the African Championships, Djamila has collected six medals at African Open events, including a significant victory at the 2020 African Open in Dakar.
Interview with Djamila Silva
Can you tell us about how you first started practicing judo and what initially drew you to the sport?
Yes, I was four years old. My parents wanted me to engage in a sport or art. I watched a judo class, and I loved it.
You mentioned that your parents wanted you and your brother to be active. How did you and your brother decide on judo, and what role did your parents play in supporting your involvement?
It happened very naturally. For me, it was a way to play with my brother through this sport. I was very active, and judo captivated me. Parental support is crucial; it makes all the difference, especially when you start competing at a high level.
What was your experience like when you first began judo? Can you share any memorable moments or challenges from those early days?
I have many good memories of judo, not just from successful competitions but also from the special people I’ve met through judo. They’ve become like family to me.
Do any other family members besides your brother have a background in judo or other sports? How has your family’s support influenced your judo career?
No, I don’t have any other family members who practiced judo, and only a few were involved in sports in general. But for me, since I started so young, it felt very natural. My family appreciates my dedication to this sport and the values that judo has instilled in me as a person.
How did moving from Portugal to Cape Verde and back to Portugal affect your judo training and development?
In Portugal, I have better training conditions. I also love my club and teammates. Cape Verde will always be my first home, but I feel good living in Portugal.
Can you provide some background about your early judo training in Portugal and how it differed from your experiences in Cape Verde?
I was very young when I started in Portugal, so I did it for fun at the time. When I arrived in Cape Verde, I wanted to continue, and I found a teacher and a place where I could keep learning the basics and having fun.
What are some key cultural and sporting differences you’ve noticed between judo in Portugal and judo in Cape Verde?
In Cape Verde, it’s rarer to see sports as a professional field. People play a lot, but mostly as a hobby. In Portugal, I met athletes who worked full-time in their sports, which reflects a different environment.
How did growing up in Cape Verde shape your approach to judo and your overall athletic mindset?
I’m very glad I grew up in Cape Verde. It probably opened my mind in different ways, especially because I had the opportunity to connect with diverse realities in one place. It’s a very rich culture. Representing Cape Verde is an honor for me; I never considered anything else. As an athlete, I feel more motivated representing my home and having the opportunity to make history for judo in my country.
What were some of the significant challenges and opportunities you faced when transitioning from local competitions in Cape Verde to international events?
Managing the financial resources to compete, along with balancing school, work, and training, was very challenging.
How do you view the development of judo in Cape Verde compared to Portugal, and what changes or improvements would you like to see?
It’s evolving, but there’s still a lot to do. I hope to contribute to that. We need more projects and structures that support and encourage athletes to continue in judo, gain competition experience, and balance sports practice with other activities.
How old were you when you moved back to Portugal from Cape Verde, and what prompted this move?
I was five years old. My parents are Cape Verdean; they met in Portugal but later moved back.
What was the transition like for you when you returned to Portugal? How did it impact your judo training and overall development?
In Portugal, I started training and competing more. I found the chance to participate in high-level competitions.
Can you describe the level of judo training and facilities you had access to in Portugal compared to what you experienced in Cape Verde?
In Portugal, I could start training twice a day, from Monday to Friday. This significantly impacted my growth in the sport, and I learned a lot.
How did your training routine change when you moved back to Portugal, and how did this influence your performance and growth in the sport?
It changed a lot. It became more competitive.
Were there any specific coaches or training programs in Portugal that had a significant impact on your judo career during this period?
All the coaches I had, whether at the club or on the Cape Verde team, taught me a lot. I am very grateful to them.
Can you walk us through the process of your qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics? What were the key moments and challenges along the way?
It was very hard and intense, but it was worth it. I wanted to do more in my competition, but it was a great experience.
What did it mean to you to qualify for the Olympics, and how did you prepare both mentally and physically for this prestigious event?
It was a dream come true. I prepared physically, technically, and competitively. I also worked with a nutritionist and psychologist during this preparation.
You won a bronze medal at the 2021 African Championships. What are your memories from that competition, and what did this achievement mean for your career?
It was my first senior competition, and it was very special. It means a lot to me.
In 2022, you improved your performance at the African Championships by winning a silver medal. What changes or improvements did you make to achieve this higher result?
I kept training a lot and focusing as much as possible.
You secured another silver medal at the 2024 African Championships. How did this performance compare to your previous experiences, and what were the key factors in your success?
It was a really special day for me. I wanted so much to reach the final. I worked hard every day, and that day I achieved it. I wanted the gold, but it’s an awesome memory for me, my coach Felipe Quadros, and my teammates who supported me.
How have your experiences at the African Championships over the years helped you prepare for competing on the world stage, including at the Olympics?
They helped a lot. It’s a competition that demands a lot of concentration.
Have you given thought to what you’d like to pursue after your competitive judo career comes to an end?
When I retire, I’ll probably focus on my professional career, personal growth, and autonomy. I don’t know yet when that time will come.
With your background in psychology and psychotherapy, do you see yourself continuing in these fields after retiring from judo?
Yes, definitely. Even while I’m still competing, I can manage to work part-time in these fields.
Are there specific projects or goals you’re passionate about that you’d like to focus on once you retire from competitive sports?
Yes, I’m passionate about psychotherapy, teaching, and project management. I also want to contribute to the development of judo in the future.
How do you plan to stay involved in the judo community after your retirement? Are you interested in coaching, mentoring, or other roles?
Yes. I haven’t defined how, but I want to stay close to judo always.
What advice would you give to other athletes aiming to qualify for the Olympics and achieve success in continental championships?
Do your best to achieve your goals. It’s not just about winning or losing but knowing that you gave it your all.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind in the world of judo, and how do you plan to continue impacting the sport after your retirement?
I just want to be sure I gave my best in my sport, in my social connections and friendships, and in my work. In the future, I also want to make the path easier for future generations.
Athlete Djamila Silva, -52kg Half Lightweight Judoka representing Cape Verde.
- Instagram: @djamilacohen
- Facebook: @djamila.correiaesilva
Interviewed by Anastasia-Alexandra Nenova
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- Facebook: @madeinbulgariaxx
