Araujo Claims Bronze in Women’s Boxing at the London Games

London Olympics 2012

The gold medal wasn’t meant to be at the 2012 Olympic Games… But Adriana Araujo is setting her sights on the future and the next stage of her career.

The 30-year-old Brazilian fighter had to settle for a bronze medal after losing to Russia’s Sofya Ochigava on Wednesday in the women’s lightweight boxing semifinal at the London Games.

Adriana Araujo

Araujo started the bout on a strong note by attacking the current world No. 2. The first round ended with the boxers tied.

But Ochigava took the lead in the second round and went on to win, 17-11.

Adriana Araujo

In the end, the Russian boxer—who will go on to face reigning world champ Katie Taylor of Ireland in the final—was quicker on her feet and a more effective puncher than Araujo.

“Bronze is not what I wanted, but I’m leaving happy,” said Araujo after the fight. “The next Olympic games will be in my country,” she added, referring to Rio de Janeiro’s role as host of the 2016 Olympic Games, “but I won’t be there because I’m going professional.”

Araujo joins Marlen Esparza of the United States as only Latina fighters to win a medal in the debut of women’s boxing as an Olympic sport in London.