Portuguese kickboxer Sofia Oliveira is approaching the World Championship with a focus on process and performance, rather than specific medal targets, following a recent fifth-place finish at the World Games.
The 27-year-old athlete, representing Desportivo de Guimarães, is set to face Canada’s Ashleigh Bartelds in the Round of 16 for the -60 kg K1 category. Oliveira previously secured a bronze medal at last year’s European Championship.
Her measured expectations follow a recent outing at the World Games in Chengdu, where she finished fifth after losing her initial bout to Indonesia’s Susanti Ndapataka.
“My expectations are to trust the process I have had until today,” Oliveira stated. “I did my work and now it’s about trusting what I did. And showing it, of course.”
She highlighted her consistent preparation for the global event. “We prepared for this Championship well and consistently. We came from the World Games and it was a continuation of the work we had already done for that.”
Oliveira articulated her broader objective for the World Championship. “The objective is to maintain my rhythm, try to maintain a good game in the fights. Then we’ll see.”
She acknowledged the universal desire for medals in such a high-stakes competition. “It’s obvious everyone wants medals, but there are many factors that can influence,” she added. “We are prepared and we have to trust what we do.”