Hospital da Luz Coimbra is one of Catarina Costa’s sponsors, the Olympic judo athlete. The protocol was recently signed between the hospital’s administrator, Pedro Beja Afonso, and Catarina Costa, who will now become “ambassador” of the Sports Medicine Centre of this unit. Athlete of Coimbra Academic Association (AAC), 28 years-old Catarina Costa competes presently in the 48-kilogram category, practising judo since age 10, and having already obtained several national and international titles. “This sponsorship will allow Catarina Costa to be followed at the Sports Medicine Centre of Hospital da Luz Coimbra, by a multidisciplinary team that will support her participation in the modality competitions. Focused on the areas of prevention, rehabilitation and high-performance, the centre is prepared to offer an integrated response to those who seek us”, explains Pedro Beja Afonso. Catarina Costa, top-level athlete and also medical student, shows confidence in this partnership: "Through Hospital da Luz Sports Medicine Centre, I will be able to optimize my performance, with a group of medical specialists, exams and other services available. I expect to get a higher performance, be more prepared for competitions and, whenever an injury occurs, to be assisted as soon as possible to get a better diagnosis and a follow-up of excellence.” The Coimbra athlete integrates the National Judo Team since 2011, having been champion in all levels. In 2018, she integrated the senior main team and qualified for Tokyo Olympic Games, where she obtained an Olympic diploma for her fifth place. She won the Gold Medal in Brasilia Grand Slam (2019), the Silver Medal in the 2022 edition (in Sofia), and the 2023 edition (Montpellier), and the Bronze Medal in 2024 (Zagreb). In the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, she ranked ninth. Supporting sports is a commitment of Hospital da Luz: together for the practise of sport in all safety , as a vital means towards a healthier life.
