50 worldwide contenders for 2012: Sarah Menezes

Judo (48kg class)

Brazil

Born: 26/03/90

Career highlights

The two-time junior world champion took a giant leap towards senior stardom by winning bronze at the 2010 World Championships, an achievement she repeated the following year.

She was Brazil's female sports personality of the year in 2009 and is one of the country's leading hopes for a gold medal in 2012.

Career background

Menezes, who grew up in one of Brazil's poorest states in the north, was nine when she first joined a judo training session at her primary school. She initially lied about her whereabouts to her disapproving parents in order to keep practising.

She was handed a university scholarship as a result of her athletic talents.

Did you know?

Menezes is seeking to become the first Brazilian woman to win a judo gold medal at an Olympics.