Brazilian Paralympic judoka Willians Araújo delivered an emotional and dominant performance to capture gold in the +100kg category at the IBSA Judo Grand Prix in Baku, Azerbaijan, this past weekend. The win marked his first major international title since the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and came just months after the passing of his longtime coach and mentor, Amadeu Dias.
Araújo’s triumph not only reinforces his status as a leading heavyweight in the world of visually impaired judo but also served as a powerful tribute to a man who helped shape his career.
A Flawless Run to the Title
The +100kg division featured top-ranked judokas from Japan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and France, making Araújo’s path to gold a formidable one. But the Brazilian appeared laser-focused throughout the tournament, winning all four of his matches by ippon — the judo equivalent of a knockout.
In the final, he faced reigning world champion Seyed Mehdi Seyedinejad of Iran. Araújo executed a perfect uchi-mata throw just over two minutes into the match, ending the contest decisively.
After the match, he fell to his knees in tears before pointing to the sky. Later, during the medal ceremony, he spoke:
“This victory belongs to Amadeu. He believed in me when no one else did. I carried his words onto the mat, and I felt him there with me.”
A Legacy of Mentorship and Growth
Amadeu Dias, who passed away earlier this year due to illness, was one of Brazil’s most respected Paralympic judo coaches. He had worked with Araújo since 2013, guiding him to multiple Pan American titles, a silver medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, and a bronze at Tokyo 2020.
Their partnership was rooted in mutual respect and emotional trust. Dias was known for his strict discipline but also for his deep compassion and personal commitment to each athlete’s journey.
The Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) paid tribute to Dias during the tournament, holding a moment of silence before Araújo’s final. CPB President Mizael Conrado stated:
“Amadeu built more than champions — he built men of character. Willians’ victory is a reflection of that legacy.”
Brazil’s Dominance in Paralympic Judo Continues
Araújo’s win is part of a broader resurgence in Brazilian Paralympic judo. At the Baku Grand Prix, Brazil also secured:
- Gold in the -57kg category with Lúcia Araújo
- Silver in the -73kg category with Antônio Tenório
- Bronze in the -90kg category with Wilians de Jesus
Brazil currently ranks second overall in the IBSA judo world rankings and is widely seen as a top contender heading into the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
A Symbol of Resilience and Purpose
At 33, Willians Araújo remains one of the sport’s most respected athletes, known not just for his power, but for his humility and mentorship of younger judokas. He has often spoken about using sport to transform lives — especially among visually impaired youth in marginalized communities.
Following his victory, Araújo announced plans to launch a training scholarship fund in memory of Coach Amadeu Dias, aimed at supporting low-income athletes with disabilities across Brazil.
Conclusion: More Than a Medal
Willians Araújo’s gold in Baku is a story of skill, spirit, and deep emotional meaning. It shows that greatness in sport is not just about talent or training — it’s about connection, legacy, and fighting for something greater than yourself.
With his hand over his heart and his coach in his thoughts, Araújo stood atop the podium not just as a champion, but as the embodiment of everything Paralympic sport aspires to represent.