Telma Alexandra Pinto Monteiro secured a bronze medal in the women's -57 kg judo event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. This achievement capped a career spanning multiple European and World Championships, marking the Lisbon native as a consistent presence in international judo competition over more than two decades.
Early Career and Weight Class Progression
Born in 1985 in Lisbon, Monteiro began her rise through the ranks in the junior circuits. By 2003, she claimed the Portuguese Championship title. Early in her career, she competed in the -52 kg weight class, achieving the top spot in the world ranking for that division in 2006. During this period, she secured gold at the 2006 and 2007 European Championships and earned multiple World Championship medals.
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Monteiro competed in the 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 Summer Olympics. Her transition to the -57 kg category was defined by sustained performance in major tournaments, including victories at the Paris Grand Slam in 2012 and 2015. She finished in 9th place at the Tokyo 2020 Games after having previously competed in the 2012 and 2016 editions.
Club Affiliations and Recognition
Representing the club Construções Norte/Sul until 2007, she subsequently joined S.L. Benfica. Her contributions to Portuguese sports have been recognized with several national honours, including the Portuguese Medal of Honour for Sports Merit awarded in 2021. She holds the status of Commander and Officer of the Order of Merit of Portugal.
Fast facts
- Born: 1985, Lisbon, Portugal
- Sport: Judo
- Primary Weight Classes: -52 kg and -57 kg
- Olympic Medal: Bronze (2016)
- Club Affiliation: S.L. Benfica
- Honours: Commander of the Order of Merit of Portugal
- Awards: Portuguese Medal of Honour for Sports Merit (2021)
Questions readers ask
Which Olympic Games did Telma Monteiro compete in?
She competed in the 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 Summer Olympics.
What is her highest achievement at the World Championships?
She earned silver medals in the World Championships in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2014.
Achievements
- Commander of the Order of Merit of Portugal
- Officer of the Order of Merit of Portugal
- Represented S.L. Benfica
- Competed at judo at the 2008 Summer Olympics – women's 52 kg, judo at the 2012 Summer Olympics – women's 57 kg and judo at the 2016 Summer Olympics – women's 57 kg
- Discipline: judo
