Leonardo Neves

 

Leonardo Neves is an athlete.

 

A short introduction to yourself?

 

My name is Leonardo Neves, I am a jiu jitsu athlete from Gfteam. I am 18 years old and I am a purple belt.

 

How did you develop your fondness for your sport and at what age did you start?

 

I started training jiu jitsu at 4 years old. My dad was already a jiu-jítsu practitioner and we had a jiu jitsu program in my school when I started training.  I have never stopped training, I played some other sports during this time but jiu jitsu was always my passion. My parents used  to have to make me leave the gym everyday when I was younger.

 

What is your style and what rank do you currently hold in (your sport)?

 

I try to have a well rounded and complete style. Being comfortable fighting from top and bottom. I am currently a purple belt.

 

Are you a member of any sports team? if not have you ever been?

 

I have competed for GFTEAM for the last 14 years.

 

Describe your major highlights and achievements in sports in the past.

 

My first year in the Juvenile division, where I was able to win the European Championship, Pan American Championship, 2nd place at the World Championship and was able to win various  IBJJF opens as well.

 

Are there any short-term goals you’d like to accomplish in the next few months to a couple of years?

 

My short term goals at the moment are the IBJJF European Championships in Rome and the AJP London Grand Slam.

 

Do you take sports as a profession or is it just a hobby?

 

I take it as a profession.

 

What challenges have you faced in getting to where you are now? You can also share any injury story.

 

In 2021 when the tournament season started back up, I missed half the year because of a disc injury in my back. The road to recovery was 3 months of intense physiotherapy

 

What motivates you most about your profession as an athlete?

 

My dream is to be a champion on the biggest stage in my sport, and to help other achieve their goals in their respective sports

 

What tournament or match you have won are you most proud of and why

 

The 2020 European Championship is my proudest moment. I was able to win my weight and the absolute division.

             

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