By defeating Italy’s Matteo Marconcini, Sergiu Toma became the second person to win an Olympic medal for the UAE. His third place in the 81kg judo weight class in Rio’s Carioca Arena 2 on Tuesday is a great result for a small country such as the UAE, which has only 13 athletes at this year’s Games. The achievement highlights the best of international competition, where countries meet as equals in the spirit of cooperation and sport.
Not only does Toma’s bronze medal fill this country with enormous pride, but it also highlights how investment in sport pays real dividends for everyone in the long term. The country’s investment in martial arts has been long-standing and starts at the highest level. Olympic excellence is only one benefit of this commitment. A new generation of Emiratis will look at Toma’s performance in Rio and find a source of motivation and inspiration to continue on the road to sporting success.