Is Anderson Silva Planning To Compete At The 2016 Olympic Games?
Sure, Anderson Silva is known for his athleticism and strong work ethic, but is he ready to compete in the Olympic Games?
That’s what the former UFC middleweight champion is hoping for: a chance to be on the Brazilian taekwondo team when the Olympics come to his home country in 2016. According to MMAFighting.com, Anderson Silva wrote a letter to the Brazilian Taekwondo Federation discussing the possibility. The original letter, written in Portuguese, is posted on the Brazilian taekwondo website.
“Everybody knows that for a high-performance athlete, the Olympic Games is the dream of every athlete, and it wouldn’t be different with me. When I was named the ambassador of the sport by President Carlos Fernandes, this Olympic spirit motivated me. … Therefore, I wish to represent taekwondo and Brazil in the Olympic Games in 2016. With all my esteem, strength and honor.”
According to the report from MMAFighting.com, Brazilian Taekwondo Federation President Carlos Fernandes is not opposed to the idea. The website reports that the federation will meet with Silva to discuss the possibility.
Though Silva has been classified as a Muay Thai kick boxer, it’s widely known that the mixed martial arts fighter is skilled in many different martial arts disciplines, including taekwondo.
Anderson Silva is currently under suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission for failing multiple drug tests. Silva is now serving a temporary suspension, but further disciplinary action is expected when Silva meets with the athletic commission. According to Fox Sports reports, that meeting could come in May.
Silva failed two drug tests in January — the first failed test was administered on Jan. 9, and the second failed test was administered on Jan. 31, which was the same night as Silva’s last fight. Both times, Silva tested positive for Drostanolone, which is an anabolic steroid. On January 31, Anderson Silva also tested positive for two different anti-anxiety medications.
Silva also was given a third test, administered on January 19, which he was reported to have passed.
At the time of the second failed drug test, Silva maintained his innocence, releasing a statement that said as follows.
“I have not taken any performance enhancing drugs. My stance on drugs is, and will always be, the same. I’m an advocate for a clean sport.”
Regardless of Silva’s position as an advocate for a clean sport, some media outlets have already posed the question: With two recently failed drug tests, would the International Olympic Committee even allow Silva to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games?
According to the Associated Press, media outlets aren’t the only ones questioning Anderson Silva’s eligibility. Lucas Ferreria, a Brazilian teakwondo Olympic hopeful, had the following to say.
”He is a great MMA athlete, but taekwondo has its own characteristics, so I’m sure he is not ready yet to compete for a spot in the team. He will have to fight for a spot like everybody else. If he proves he deserves to make it, then great.”
Do you think Anderson Silva should have a shot at qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro?
[Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images]
