The 22-year-old Brazilian champion revealed that her parents tried to stop her from taking up the sport which they believed was for men only. She said that she had to overcome a series of barriers to succeed.

“When I started judo my parents said it was a sport for men. My whole life I've liked challenges,” Menezes said.

“The truth is the major problem was my studies so I came to an agreement with them. In order to continue in the sport I had to do well in my studies,” she added.

Menezes admitted that although her parents were not in favour of her participation in judo, they appreciated her sporting skills.

“When I started to travel (to competitions) my parents realised I had talent,” added Menezes.

Having won bronze in the previous two years at the world championships, she finally ascended the top step of the podium in London.

She has become the first woman from Brazil to win an Olympic judo gold.

Menezes expects her gold medal to become the first of many for her country's women.

“It's really very, very important because it took many years to happen,” she said.

“Now I hope that my medal can open up the way for many more. What's changed is that we've developed the belief that we can win because everyone is strong. We've stopped doubting ourselves and now we know we can beat anyone, and that's the key,” she concluded.