Marieta Clozel
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Judo
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My name is Marieta Clozel. I started judo when I was 7 and ever since I have centred my life around fulfilling my dreams in this sport; I knew from when I started judo that my goal was to go to an Olympic Games. I am now 28 years old and have a real chance of competing at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil. This is the pinnacle of my sport. I am a legitimate chance at qualifying for the Games; I have competed on the Brazilian Judo Team at many International Events for many years before I came to Australia. I am proud to now be an Australian citizen and can't wait to take on the world representing Australia! I also love to give back to my sport through helping coach kids classes at my club. Unfortunately last year I got injured during training and had to have a knee reconstruction. I had to go back to Brazil to have this operation as I couldn't afford the medical bills and rehabilitation costs here. In March this year I was able to start training again and I was on the road to fighting at the Australian National Championships in June. However, in May I re-injured my knee again during a NSW squad training session, meaning I now need another knee reconstruction. Medical costs are estimated to be over $10,000 for the operation! Our sport is much smaller in Australia compared to overseas, therefore my club or national/state sporting organisation cannot cover these costs. This is where I need your support - I am trying to raise as much money as possible to have this surgery as quickly as possible. The Olympic Games may seem a long time away, but our qualification period has already started and I need to be competing again as soon as possible in order to fulfill my dreams. Please help by donating as much or as little as you can. I know it's clichéd but every single dollar counts and is sincerely appreciated. I hope you can help me during what is such a disappointing and desperate time for me as an athlete. I can't thank you enough, but in return I hope to win you and all of Australia a medal at the Olympic Games in Rio!