Argentinean judoka Pareto living a golden dream

Argentinean judoka, Paula Pareto, who won Latin America's first gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, said she felt like she was dreaming after her victory in the 48kg category on Saturday.

"I can't believe it," said the athlete, 30, after defeating South Korea's Jeong Bokyeong in the final and becoming the first Argentinean to win a gold in judo.

Pareto, despite being nicknamed "Small" due to only measuring 1.50m became a giant after taking the gold, improving on the bronze she won in Beijing 2008.

Right after winning, Pareto leapt into the stands to hug her relatives, friends and other Argentinean fans who had cheered on throughout the day.

"I knew it would be very hard. I am very happy," she told the Argentinean press. "Now, I am going to fully enjoy myself, who knows what comes next."

Pareto won her first three fights on Saturday against Russia's Irina Dolgova, Hungary's Eva Csernoviczki and Japan's Ami Kondo, before defeating Jeong in the final.

Having graduated in medicine in 2014, Pareto spoke to Xinhua before flying to Rio, saying that "I hope to win first place and then see what happens."

Born in San Fernando, north of Buenos Aires, Pareto began practicing judo at the age of nine and quickly stood out at her club, Estudiantes de La Plata.

Her first big competition at the 2007 Panamerican Games in Rio, where she won bronze in the 48kg category at the age of 21. She took bronze again in Beijing 2008, bringing the first Olympic medal for judo to Argentina.

Asked how she focuses, Pareto said that she relies on her psychologist "to manage pressure, concentration and breathing."

"I don't feel any pressure, as judo is a sport where anyone can win or lose. It would be great to rely on my results but I start all the competitions from zero and with everything to do," she told Xinhua. Enditem