The Dual Path to Olympic Gold in Rio
“I have several classes and types of lesions. What I do not have, a teammate has. The good thing is that we more or less know what it is about, in that sense, we know what to do,” Pareto said in a 2018 interview with the Olympic Channel regarding how her medical studies complemented her judo training.
Frontline Medical Work During the Pandemic
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Pareto transitioned her medical expertise directly into hospital wards in Argentina as a traumatologist.
“We do second-line work, helping them [the COVID ward], as all the health team that is coming to the hospital helps,” Pareto explained to the Olympic Channel. She noted that her team managed both specialized orthopedic patients and those dealing with viral infections concurrently, maintaining strict safety protocols to prevent transmission within hospital facilities.
Resilience and Return to International Competition
Despite the disruption of global sports calendars and her demanding hospital responsibilities, Pareto returned to international competition with immediate success. According to tournament results, she secured a silver medal at the Budapest Grand Slam in October and followed that performance by claiming her fourth Pan American Championship title in November.
What Comes Next
Pareto continues to monitor her professional medical practice and athletic conditioning while remaining a prominent figure in international judo.
