Anderson Silva will participate in tryouts for a place in the Rio Olympics in taekwondo

Anderson trains taekwondo at his gym in the USA. Photo: Reproduction

After making history in MMA, as the longest-lasting champion in UFC history and holder of the record for consecutive title defenses in the organization, Anderson Silva is preparing to try to make a name for himself in Brazilian Olympic sports as well. After sending a letter to the Brazilian Taekwondo Confederation (CBTKD) expressing its desire to participate in the 2016 Olympics in this sport, Spider is already preparing to compete in the Olympic trials for the Rio Games.

See too

After new title in Jungle, Bilharinho aims for agreement with UFC: 'If I needed to, I would fight there next week'

Anderson Silva turns 40 years old in a turbulent time; remember your career

Anderson Silva asks Dana White to set up a rematch against Nick Diaz in Brazil

Anderson Silva asks to compete in 2016 Olympics in taekwondo

In his official profile at Twitter, the fighter even released images of his first training sessions in the new modality, carried out at his gym in California, Muay Thai College. Even before Spider's announcement, CBTKD had already announced that one of the four places that are already guaranteed in the Olympic tournament due to the fact that Brazil is the host country would be offered to athletes in the category over 80 kg (heavyweight), precisely which the former UFC champion fits into. The Olympic trials take place early next year.

Currently, Anderson Silva, who has a professional record of 34 wins and six losses in MMA, is temporarily suspended and awaits the final judgment of his doping case, which should take place in May. On February 3rd, a few days after winning Nick Diaz at UFC 183, it was announced that Anderson Silva had tested positive for the anabolic steroids drostanolone and androsterone in a surprise anti-doping test carried out on January 9th. A second examination, carried out on the 19th of the same month, did not show any trace of illegal substances. In the post-fight examination, however, Anderson tested positive again for anabolic steroids and, in addition, also for two anxiolytics, Oxazepam and Temazepam, medicines generally used to combat insomnia and sleep disorders.

In the letter of intent sent to CBTKD, Anderson said he was motivated to represent Brazil at the 2016 Olympic Games and highlighted his good relationship with the entity's president, Carlos Fernandes. ““Everyone knows that for a high-performance athlete, the Olympic Games are every athlete's dream and so, it would be no different for me. When I was given the title of sports ambassador by President Carlos Fernandes, this feeling became even stronger and, being in my country, this Olympic spirit made me very motivated. It will be an immense pleasure to be part of this golden team, which has a serious institution, led by President Carlos Fernandes who greatly honors us, together with his entire team. Therefore, I record here my desire to represent Taekwondo and Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. With all my esteem, strength and honor”, ​​declared Spider, at the time.

[vox id=”25995”]