Patrícia Sampaio returned to competition after more than half a year away due to a complicated injury and immediately claimed a bronze at the Grand Slam of judo in Lausanne, Switzerland. The 25-year-old athlete, who is an Olympic and World medalist and former European champion, overcame the long break to step onto the podium at the event marking her return to competition.
Patrícia Sampaio's victory represented the only podium for the National Team on competition day, also being the only Portuguese medalist at the Lausanne Grand Slam. The judoka's performance thus constituted an isolated highlight for Portugal at the Swiss tournament.
On the same day, Jorge Fonseca and Rochele Nunes, other major names in Portuguese judo, did not have the same success and were eliminated early in the competition. Both fell by the wayside in early rounds, contrasting with Patrícia Sampaio's victorious comeback.
The bronze medal win at the Lausanne Grand Slam holds particular significance given the long recovery period the athlete faced after the injury. Patrícia Sampaio demonstrated she is back at her best competitive level, even after more than six months away from the tatamis.
