The athlete's arrival reinforces the company's commitment to supporting and valuing women in sport

She starred in one of the most unforgettable moments in the history of Brazilian judo. By standing on the top step of the podium at Paris 2024, Bia Souza became the first Brazilian woman to become an Olympic champion in individual events. Now, after being announced as the new ambassador for Team Neoenergia, the athlete will help to further strengthen the female presence on and off the mat. Her arrival also consolidates Neoenergia's leadership as the company that is now recognized in the energy sector as the one that most supports women's sport in Brazil.

"I gave up many things until I won Olympic gold. It's like I like to say: a life for a day. With Neoenergia's partnership, I have the chance to show girls and women that my journey of strength and overcoming was worth it.Sport can provide countless victories that go far beyond medals," says Bia Souza. At 26, the athlete has been embraced by Brazilians. On the day of the competition in Paris, she had 13,000 followers on Instagram. Today, she has more than three million fans on social media.

More support for training

The judoka will now have important support to help her further improve the quality of her preparation for future competitions. Bia Souza is the seventh athlete to join Team Neoenergia, whose focus is to promote gender equality and boost women's sport in Brazil. The sponsorship also reinforces the partnership between Neoenergia and the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB), signed this year until 2025, to support sportspeople in various Olympic disciplines, benefiting women athletes.

"We want to enable more women to conquer Olympic podiums and world championships, bringing energy and inspiration. Neoenergia is very proud to make a difference in the development of women's sport in the country. In addition, the choice of Bia Souza broadens our reach and reinforces our purpose of valuing the role of women in society," says Lorenzo Perales, Marketing Director at Neoenergia.

What few people know is that Bia - in the heavyweight category, over 78 kg - has a career with relevant results achieved before the Paris Olympics. She is a 3rd sergeant in the Brazilian Army and has stood on the podiums of world and Pan-American championships 21 times between 2017 and 2024. She had her first major achievement at the world championships in 2017, with silver in Budapest in the mixed team event. In the same city in 2021, she took bronze in the individual tournament. She is a four-time Pan American champion (2017, 21, 22, 23) and three-time World champion (2019, 21, 23).

Connection with Peruíbe

Raised in Peruíbe, on the coast of São Paulo, since the age of seven, Bia will also have the chance to strengthen the brand's engagement with the city, where Neoenergia is responsible for supplying electricity, through the distributor Neoenergia Elektro. It was there that she began her judo career, encouraged by her father.

The athlete was also chosen because of her connection with the company's values of racial and gender diversity. By 2030, Neoenergia is committed to increasing the number of women and black and brown people in leadership positions by 40%.

In addition to Bia Souza, Team Neoenergia is made up of athletes from various disciplines. They are: Ana Vitória Magalhães, Tota, Brazilian road cycling and time trial champion; Bruna Kajiya, four-time kitesurfing world champion; Mirelle Leite, two-time South American champion in the 3,000 meters with hurdles in the Under-23; Ana Marcela, Olympic open water champion in Tokyo 2020; Celine Bispo, South American youth swimming champion; and Antonia Silva, soccer player and silver medalist in Paris 2024.